The Human Run Machine Still At His Maximum Efficiency!!

It comes by running down the ball to fine leg. By the time the little master reaches the non strikers end the crowd goes crazy. The helmet comes off, the head tilts up skywards, the head comes down and the eyes look at team mates and the crowd in acknowledgment and the bat is raised again for the n’th number of time. I have lost count on that one now. For the record this one against New Zealand was the Master’s 43^rd century in ODI cricket. Even his strongest critics might be wondering how he can do that again and again and again. I remember what Mr. Ravi Shastri had said once after Sachin had scored a century, “And they say Mr. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar should retire from cricket, MY FOOT!!!” The other day I was watching a news channel wherein the anchor was discussing about Sachin’s retirement. Well he will be hiding for cover for sure. It is said think twice before saying anything; I guess the saying should be modified for the genius, think ten times before commenting on the great man. Well I guess no one and I mean no one in this world has a right to decide or even comment on his retirement. He has proved himself time and time again and let the man who has played only 425 ODI’s and 156 Tests, scored only 84 centuries and 142 half centuries in both tests and ODI’s decide his retirement plans.

The 163 scored yesterday was special. One would imagine that a player who has scored so much in an innings would keep the opposition interested, not to be. The master stamped his class and scored his first ODI century in NZ. It was a wonderful innings and NZ had no idea of what was coming for them. He took charge after Viru got out, gave Yuvi a wonderful stand and then took on the attack to the opposition with Dhoni. If it was not for his injury I think there was a fair chance that he would have went on to become the first player to score 200 in an ODI. But records do not matter; in the Masters own words, "I am enjoying the game. I just want to go out and enjoy my game and not have targets. While doing that if it happens, well and good. The most important factor is to keep enjoying my game, and keep winning games for India." That’s the way to go Sachin, you keep enjoying the game, keep scoring the runs, keep winning matches for India and bring a smile to millions and millions of people around the world. It’s a great pleasure to watch you bat Sir. Only West Indies is left where a century has not been scored and I hope and pray that the final frontier is conquered. All hail Sachin!!!

P.S. The match was a little too close for comfort. India has a serious problem in finding the third bowler. I guess with Ishant coming back in the next ODI we would see a better performance by the Indian bowlers. And I am still wondering why the hell Munaf was smiling after being smashed all around the park and had the courage to stand in front of MSD after that, luckily he bowled 2 waist height no balls and hopefully with Ishant back we wont see him again in the tour. The first few lines of the post were inspired from cricinfo.com, I liked those lines so much!!