Sachin ‘Twenty’dulkar

Only a few sportsmen in the entire recorded history can lay claim to the ‘Legend’ status. Of those few, there remain only a handful who have attained ’super-natural iconic’ status - Diego Maradona, Don Bradman, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer among others. But none of these sportsmen have played with consistency and enthralled millions over a period of twenty years. Only Sachin can lay claim to such fame.

There are two views with which you can dissect Sachin’s delightful career. The first is one through the lens of a hardcore cricket lover. The other is through the eye of the massive middle class in India.

First, the cricket lover.

Statistics come by very easily to a hardcore cricket lover. Highest run-getter in both Tests and Limited Over Internationals (ODIs) by a far margin; scored a massive amount of runs against all test playing nations in all parts of the world; single handedly destroyed many bowling attacks and many more. Handling the Akram/Waqar duo with ease when rest of the team was overcome with fear in 1989; Playing and scoring handsomely on a fearsome Perth pitch in 1991; Scoring off Saqlain Mustaq at his peak in 1999 when rest of the team couldn’t read the doosra; Manhandling Warne and browbeating the ‘all-conquering’ Aussie team into submission in 1998; Highest run-getter in two world cups (’96 and ‘03) are a few among his infinite accomplishments. The magnificent straight drive, the deft late cut, the elegant paddle sweep, the stylist flick and the glorious cover drive would lift even the worst of moods. In essence, Sachin is the complete cricketer to the hardcore cricket lover - records, elegance, consistency and overall, complete entertainment.

However, there is another aspect to Sachin’s ‘greatness’. The world acclaimed Sachin’s accomplishments only after the Aussie series in ‘98 (where he absolutely pummeled them!) and after Don Bradman invited him on the eve of Don’s 90^th birthday. But he was already a ‘hero’, ‘god’ and pretty much everything else in India. People in India used to stop what they were doing to watch Sachin bat - ardent fans of cricket, moms at home, people working in shopping stores, young and old, men and women - it was almost as if entire India had come to a temporary halt when Sachin batted. It was not only the records that they were watching, it was not only the elegance of his cricket, there was something else too.

Fortunately or unfortunately for India, more than half the population is middle-class (defined by their income). This set of population is unique in its lofty aspirations, ability and capability but with few resources. ‘Jugaad’ (difficult to translate in English, remotely means some connection to the powerful) is paramount if you want to succeed. Whether it be in setting up a business, getting a job (this is the ’90s, remember!) or getting some work done in any govt. office. And this is where the ‘Sachin factor’ kicked in.

Sachin gave them hope. Sachin was a typical middle-class Mumbaikar who rose to the echelons of world cricket due to his sheer ability, inspite of all the odds (There is a story of Sunil Gavaskar giving his pads to young Sachin - hinting at jugaad - but how many players got pads/cricket kits from Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev etc. and how many of them have achieved the heights Sachin did). Here was a guy, who in the remote sense, was a reflection of their aspirations, their state of mind, and eventual state of success. Compound that with his humility, respect for elders, playing for the nation, love cricket and all those goodie-boy statements, you had a winner with whom most parents associated with and wanted their sons/daughters to be ‘that boy/man’ in sense of ability, achievement and humility. They marveled at not only his cricket shot making ability but also what talent, hardwork and dedication can achieve. They enjoyed his run-making ability and wallow when he got out cheaply. It made the middle class believe, and that in essence set him apart from all other great sportsmen that have graced this country.

There is no player who doesn’t acknowledge Sachin’s greatness, be it a bowler, batsman or coach.

There is no parent who doesn’t want their son/daughter to be ‘like Sachin’, blatantly or in a furtive manner.

There is no youngster who loves cricket and doesn’t love Sachin and his batting.

In essence, his twenty years have been magic; inspired hundreds, if not millions of people that they can believe, can achieve and yet be humble. And that’s why we adore him, respect him and truly believe that he would score a century every single time he walks out to bat.

Thy name is Sachin Tendulkar. And your alias is ‘The Greatest Cricketer that ever lived’.

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