Today, Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from ODI
cricket. He wants to focus on Test Cricket, we are told. So, we can see Sachin
playing for India
in the forthcoming tests.
By any standards, Sachin has established himself as one of
the best cricketers, world has ever seen. I will always remember Sachin’s
performance in Sharjah against Steve Waugh’s Australia . It was a privilege to
watch Sachin assaulting Michael Kasprowicsz, the pacer for maximums and lofting Shane Warne
repeatedly over the fence at will. Singlehandedly, Sachin took India to the finals and played a crucial
role in winning the Cup. It will not be a surprise, if Shane Warne is still
getting nightmares of the final match.
Having said that, it is high time, we look at the flip side.
It is Sachin’s prerogative to decide whether to retire, when to retire – on a high or low, and what
to retire from – Test, ODI, T 20. This should not be a cause of concern for others.
But what the selectors are supposed to do? 14 or 16 best players – decided only
on the basis of current form and fitness - among the available lot, have to be picked up and 11 of those, most
suited to the playing conditions must play. After all, none is greater than the
Nation or the Game.
What is the reality about which very few people seem to talk
about.
The rookies or not so
famous players, selected for the Indian team, never get into playing XI and get
axed after being made to warm the benches. Even those, fortunate enough to be a
part of the X1, must prove themselves in the first or second match. If not,
they will be shown the door.
A completely
different yardstick is used for
evaluating the STARS, more so
Sachin. However bad, the current form is, these fortunate few, sitting on past laurels
and History, enjoy the luxury of playing
as long as they wish – even if it means the national team is defeated
continuously for a year or two, not to mention the frustration and agony of the
deserving youngsters, eager to play for the country.
When a STAR is not performing well, all that the selectors
can do is to silently offer prayers to hear the announcement of retirement. I
do agree that the contributions of those
like Sachin, who had done so well for so long must be acknowledged and they should
not be treated at par with rookies. But what we see is atrocious to say the
least.
In this country we have the culture of worshiping the
celebrities like demi Gods. Professionalism is an unspeakable word for us.
Unless better sense prevails, Indian cricket may hit new lows.
Winning at home and losing abroad – barring very few in
recent times – is something, the Indian Cricket team managed to do perennially.
We may not see a big difference in the results at home and abroad in the future
– we will lose both. This is what one can learn from the just concluded Tests
of England series. Don’t be surprised, if Richard Hadlee amends his famed
statement – kings at home and paupers abroad – suitably.
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