A modern Don

Sachin Tendulkar has had no more noted admirer than Bradman himself, but are the Little Master’s powers on the wane? Simon Wilde investigates in The Times.

Tendulkar’s response to such charges is interesting. He rejects them, but does so in the shortest, tersest terms; he simply refuses to discuss the matter. It is as though he doesn’t want even to countenance talk of shortcomings in his game, possibly because he feels it might erode his self-belief, perhaps because he fears it might contain an element of truth. Asked about his recent scores in Test cricket, which look fairly meagre without the boost of easy runs against Bangladesh, he says: “I think it’s probably the way people have looked at things. I think I’ve done reasonably well. Maybe the expectations are too high and unrealistic at times.”

Is he aware that some pundits believe he is uncomfortable against the bouncer? No comment. What does he say to those who claim he does not play enough matchwinning innings in Test matches? Again, no comment.