Look beyond his 50th ton. And beyond all his records. Beyond all analysis over him.
Sachin Tendulkar. Just look at him. And you instantly have a feeling of goodness. Right? He epitomises goodness.
I say so because:
goodness [ˈgʊdnɪs]
n
1. the state or quality of being good
Few icons of our times qualify to be called as a 'goodness legend'. The dressing room feels good if he's in the eleven. 1 billion cricket lovers feel good when he is playing. During the 96' cricket world cup, I remember a foreign columnist famously opining that 'Indian streets look more enthusiastic on a day when Sachin gets a hundred'
That's Sachin for India. One feels there's absolutely no one around, who can create such a deep sense of goodness.
He's beyond all that is talked about everywhere, including this space. He's almost one of India's 'National Symbols'. May be more than that.
It is good that his brother had the vision. It is good that Dennis Lillee was unimpressed with his fast bowling on that day at the MRF Pace Foundation.
''Take a bow, legend''
An sms I received from a friend today morning narrates an incident that happened after a One Day match between India and Australia at Kolkatta. Brad Hogg, the crafty Australian spinner took Sachin's wicket in the match. When the match got over, Hogg gave a photograph of that wicket to Sachin and requested an autograph. Interesting stuff from Hogg, right? Now read the rest.
Sachin put his sign on it but he wrote down something as well -
''This will never happen again''
And that statement stands even today. Hogg hasn't managed to take his wicket again!
The video given above is a piece of nostalgia - that old pepsi ad featuring Sachin in the 90's. It brings back good old memories and the mood that prevailed at a time when the whole of India were glued to their TV sets every time Sachin came out to bat.
Very well written, direct from "Dil Se" and direct into "Dil Mein".
ReplyDeleteEven though Cricket is not my cup of tea...I enjoyed reading this piece of your work Journo... :)"This will never happen" good on ya Sachin.
ReplyDeleteWht is said on your blog is so true. There is definitely something more to him than being just a cricketer. 'Goodness legend' - interesting insight dude.
ReplyDeleteNot a cricker fan either. But, enjoyed reading your post. And must say Sachin oozes goodness. Some one who would never trade goodness for greatness!
ReplyDeleteGood One Bro. The writing definitely has a versatile appeal to it. Nice touch on the subject too. Way to go. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteGood point though goodness is not a quality required when you judge sporting greatness. May be in these general feel good times as Sachin nears the end of his long and illustrious career, people tend to forget the few negative things happened too, like the Ferrari tax evasion, ball tampering issue in 2003, Monkey gate by Bhajji :)
ReplyDeleteAnd talking about goodness legends, I would say you have forgotten someone who actually deserves it, a true son of India, the gentleman world Chess champion in all its formats, world No.1, one certain Vishy Anand :)If you ask me, he is the true owner of this title you are talking about!
You are right about Vishy Anand - A true champion and he certainly deserves more accolades and admiration than he gets now. But lets not swap titles here - both are giants in their own right, although it was Sachin who made a bigger impact for various reasons.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid there's a slight disconnect on the negative things that happened. Whether the fag end or beginning of Sachin's career, those accusations hardly made any impact. I remember the cricketing world actually laughing away, say, the ball tampering episode.
Waiting to read more from you Emmanuel!
ReplyDelete