Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. He is the last of its' kind, and there never shall be another one. Why? He represents that golden era of Mumbai's when the balance between open spaces and its' population was still undisturbed, when its' populace knew what Hard Work meant, where the ambitions were soaring, and the future was as bright as summerday sunshine.
Sachin Tendulkar was a product of a generation untouched by instant fame, instant money, and cricketers still believed in ensuring long careers. The "young" lot today from small towns and fringe villages are hardly inspiring to watch nor is their brand of cricket commercial. When the Dhoni's & Raina's become the face of Indian Cricket, start expecting chaddi-banian, gutka manufacturers to become primary sponsors of cricket matches, as that's the kind of crowd they are gonna pull. Dhoni, with his despicable batting style, and "smarter-than-god" demeanour looks set to sell a lot of MDH masale and Amul underwears.
The day Sachin retires, is when Cricket retires from our television, unless theres' a master class batsman that rises in India. Arjun Tendulkar is promising, but he's hardly middle-class, the dude is not gonna care rats' ass if he gets' selected or not.
I am particularly worried about the whole concept of Sports in India, where winner get celebrated, regardless of their performance. I remember a Davis Cup match in Kolkata, where the Indian crowd was so partisan that one Mr. Goran Ivanisovic was disgusted, and gave up fighting for victory out of the discouragement on offer.
Indian Cricket - be forewarned - the sport is neither amazing nor entertaining without the likes of Sachin or Sehwag. Start searching for the next Sachin, or be prepared to sell Amul underwears.
Lastly, my sincere thanks to Sachin Tendulkar, thank you very much, you gave us hope, happiness and the spirit that made us what we are. Confident, well-studied, aggresive and above all - successful.
