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Sachin don’t
become a boring waspish batsman |
A Feature by Syed Ahsan Ali
on May 29, 2007
 We
already have one talented world class boring
batsman at the international scene that is
Jacques Kallis. We do not need another one.
Please Sachin don’t become a boring waspish
batsman. It was not good enough considering your
talent and stature the way you handled the
Bangladeshi bowlers during your 37th century.
122 runs off 226 deliveries did not suit you at
all against a mediocre bowling attack.
It seems as if Sachin Tendulkar is going only
for record books. He does want to top the Test
records at any cost as one day records are in
the pocket safe and sound. But he is missing one
point in doing that. A value of his skill and
finesse of his class. There is no better sight
than a world class performer dictating the terms
to lesser mortals around him.
If you look at all great batsmen of their times
they liked to dominate their opponents whether
whatever be the position they were in. Sachin
was similar in that regard in a greater portion
of his career, especially before his tennis
elbow affair and the resurgence of Sehwag. He
was known for his bowler-tormenting ability
along with his extraordinary run-making on
consistent basis. But now he is making runs but
not with same dominance and speed. It seems as
if he is a debutant who likes to get the nod of
approval of his selectors. It is baffling and
perplexing. What made him do that? Either he is
insecure in presence of so many upcoming young
talents or may be he wants to end up with
umpteenth runs against his names at the end of
his career.
 But
his failure to spark an inspiration and
imagination in the minds of his fans through his
batting is going to tease him in the coming
times. This defensive batting way can work well
against Bangladesh but not against oppositions
like Australia and England where run making will
not be enough but making runs at good pace will
come into the play as well where you have to
give good deal of time to your bowlers for
getting oppositions out twice. Run making is not
good enough alone. Sorry man!
Free and rearing to go Sachin will be a lot
better than a timorous, slow Sachin. You can
never take the factor of value or attraction out
when you are in the business of entertainment.
Langer and Hayden both opened for Aussies and
remained as the best opening partnership, but
who attracted more crowd? With certainty, Hayden
was the man. Merely due to the pleasure, he
provides. Similarly, both Waughs will be
remembered for their services to Australian
cricket, but who was good on eyes? Definitely,
Mark Waugh. His silk like wrists and touchy
timing made him scintillating to witness. Last
era between 1990s and 2000s had seen rise of
several prolific fast bowlers such as Donald,
McGrath, Wasim, Waqar, Walsh, Ambrose but who
held most points for his moving and shaking
ability? If you ask me I would go for Wasim. May
be due to his exuberance, passion, dominance and
versatility.
Kindly Sachin don’t go for records. Records will
keep you alive in the annals of history but not
in the memories of cricket lovers. They cannot
stop loving you but your inability to supersede
opponents in latter part of your career will
pinch them somewhere inside. Don’t leave us with
this feeling. Sachin, please give us back your
original and natural flirting with bowlers.
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