Idol worship
A selection of pieces about Tendulkar's farewell series from around the web
03-Nov-2013
An emotional farewell or a gala party? • BCCI
Bordering on the ridiculous
How much of an overkill is there in the preparations for Tendulkar's farewell series? An editorial in the Business Standard argues that the Cricket Association of Bengal's over-the-top plans, like showering him with rose petals, using a coin with his face stamped on it for the toss, giving all the spectators Tendulkar face masks, are the opposite of the values Tendulkar has epitomised all his career.
How much of an overkill is there in the preparations for Tendulkar's farewell series? An editorial in the Business Standard argues that the Cricket Association of Bengal's over-the-top plans, like showering him with rose petals, using a coin with his face stamped on it for the toss, giving all the spectators Tendulkar face masks, are the opposite of the values Tendulkar has epitomised all his career.
A player of such significance cannot of course be expected to retire quietly. But, on the other hand, it need not be an occasion for the wide-eyed idolatry that comes too easily to Indians, either. But that is unfortunately precisely what it seems to be becoming.
10 out of 10
Travel well, Sachin, and may all your old images be in Technicolour, just as our memories are, writes Ted Corbett in Sportstar:
Travel well, Sachin, and may all your old images be in Technicolour, just as our memories are, writes Ted Corbett in Sportstar:
He has not just chosen the right moment to quit but given us time to think what it will mean to the game when he is no longer Super Sachin when the sight of him heading for the pitch brought the crowd to its feet, cheering and clapping; adoring his greatness.
An umpire remembers
Former Test umpire Piloo Reporter shares his memories of Tendulkar with Clayton Murzello in Mid-Day
Former Test umpire Piloo Reporter shares his memories of Tendulkar with Clayton Murzello in Mid-Day
I remember standing as an umpire for a Mumbai practice session before their Ranji Trophy game against Maharashtra in 1996. He was bowling in the nets with a new ball and as soon the batsman played or missed it, he would call for the ball to be thrown back to him. Then, he would examine the ball and check where it had pitched. He would then tell me, 'barobar land zhala' (it landed on the right spot).
An unofficial sports minister
In the Daily News & Analysis, legendary Indian female athlete PT Usha writes about her admiration for Tendulkar and why she thinks he can assist "poorer" sports.
In the Daily News & Analysis, legendary Indian female athlete PT Usha writes about her admiration for Tendulkar and why she thinks he can assist "poorer" sports.
I remember he made his Test debut in Pakistan because I, too, ran my first international race in the neighbouring country many years ago. But what humbled me the most was something he said in an interview in the mid-1990s. Believe it or not, he admitted that watching an Indian lady athlete excel at the world stage motivated him a great deal. I must say I was extremely touched by that compliment and became a Sachin fan right away!
... Sachin is a Rajya Sabha MP and he must help overcome the indifference towards 'poorer' sports. He should be the country's unofficial sports minister. He should closely work with the various federations and address issues at the grassroots. Sachin is a legend now; if he helps other sports, he will become immortal.