Tendulkar, you beauty!!!

It has been 3 weeks since THE INNINGS in One Day International cricket. It was one of those events that people will remember for the rest of their lives. Almost like "I had just sat down to have my scrambled eggs and toast when the first airplane crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower".

Well, I was at home watching the game on TV when THE INNINGS happened!

The magnitude of Tendulkar's achievement is hard to describe. Saeed Anwar's 194 in a ODI was just about as famous an achievement as Jim Laker's 19 for 90 in a Test Match. Admittedly Laker's 19 has never been threatened, although many have gotten close to Anwar's 194. However SA 194 had become almost a magical number for a ODI.

Tendulkar's conquest of the record was not the real story on February 24th. In fact records do not really excite me the way they capture public imagination. The real story for me was the ease with which he reached 200, his supreme shot making and fitness after more than 20 years of top level international cricket. The real story has been Tendulkar re-inventing himself over the last 24 months. How does this man, who has nothing to prove anymore, find the motivation and drive to play at this level, and even reinvent himself when required? Only He knows the answer. There has never been one like him, and there probably will never be one like him again.

I have been a strong proponent of top sportsment walking away when they are close to their peak and have wondered for a while if it is time for the Master Blaster to walk away. Obviously only the individual knows when the time is right based on their own assessment and aspirations. My reasoning for that will be the subject of another blog post I have been planning to write for quite some time.

Meanwhile, let us put our feet up, and enjoy watching this genius at work. I am glad to be alive during Sachin's time!