The lil master is on his way out. That Sachin Tendulkar was no longer the force he once was in international cricket was obvious to everyone after the 2003 World Cup but this tour to Pakistan seems to be have underlined this fact. Has anyone seen the way he got out today? As I write this review, India are on the verge of a crushing defeat to Pakistan. Young gun Asif beat Tendulkar all ends up and uprooted his off stump. But what took the cake was the way in which Sachin almost fell on the ground. It was the signal of the beginning of the end. Sachin was actually groveling on the pitch. If you don’t believe me, see the numerous replays that will be telecast this evening.
It’s a pity. All good things have to come to an end. The lil boy who began the magic eons ago in Pakistan itself is now being made to eat humble pie. First it was a bouncer from Shoaib that rattled him (though Razzaq had him in the first innings – bowled again), now this missile from Asif to which Tendlya had no stroke to offer. Life is indeed strange. Seventeen years ago, Sachin signaled the end of master leg spinner Abdul Qadir by hoisting him for four consecutive sixes in a one day (unofficial though it was) match. Has Asif, a rookie who debuted in this series and is playing his third match done the same to him? Me thinks yes.
I just hope Sachin either finds his form soon and prove all disaster pundits wrong or throw in the towel. Surely, it’s for him to decide. Sachin has been the God of Indian cricket and we always want to remember him as one. No one wants o cluck cluck in pity when he gets out to the Razzaqs, Shoaibs and Asifs of the cricketing world.
Since, this is a review and I have to rate him, I give him five stars for all the joy he has brought us till date.