Mikkhail Vaswani writes
Every young kid who has lived to see the Sachin Tendulkar magic
has a distinct memory of the genius. Those who recall his classics from
the archives are fortunate, but those who have had one-on-one
interactions should feel blessed. I am part of the latter group who
lives to share an experience every kid in the 90s dreamed of, at a time
when the entire nation was high on three alphabets - SRT.
My first Sachin Tendulkar moment was in the mid-90s - charity match in the small town of Mangalore in coastal Karnataka. A little boy purchased a ticket to watch Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin took off from the very first ball and it was just a matter of
time until he got to his century. Mangalore went wild and the little boy
caught in the frenzy, high on adrenaline, charged on to the pitch,
desperate for a handshake. Almost there, just about to reach forward, at
arm's length ... but he was caught by a cop who would lathi charge him
back. Life can be unfair. But the consolation for the boy was "I got to
see him from so close".
15 years on, the same boy happened to meet Sachin Tendulkar once again, this time at the Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai for
the unveiling of the legend's wax statue. Sachin was waiting to address
the media when I went up to him and narrated the entire story. Quick to
acknowledge that charity match, Sachin Tendulkar recalled a few
moments just when I interrupted by saying, "That time I was denied the
opportunity to shake hands with you and today 15 years on, I finally get
my chance."
Sachin's reply was spontaneous and unassuming - "Oh it's my pleasure".
With a lump in my throat I replied, "Sir, it's my honour". After exchanging a few more pleasantries I went back to my spot with the rest of the media, but left with a lasting impression on my mind.
Greatness sometimes is the willingness to acknowledge the presence of
the lesser known. A mind that's respectful, a person who is
compassionate and an individual who is considerate. Sachin Tendulkar has forever been an epitome of such values.
His life is a lesson on how to be a person before being a professional.
His principles precede his passion which reflects the ideologies on
which he has grown as an individual. While many attach education to
one's growth in life, Sachin's upbringing and learning through
observation underlines the importance of knowing what's right and
adapting around the don'ts. It's said that ;formal education makes
you a living but self-education makes you a fortune' and clearly
Sachin's fortune is not about his fame, but what kind of person he still
is even today.
While his humility is time and again spoken about off the field, his
demeanour transforms into discipline on the field. It's evident from the
moment he sets out to bat, with that first glance up
into the sky, bat under his left arm, putting on his gloves, few
warm-up hops and skips and then some shadow practice. Indian cricket is
largely built around the aura of an entry that is today synonymous with
not just Indian cricket but even world Cricket.
A few observations about Sachin Tendulkar indicate the unmatched
focus, consistency and dedication he has maintained over the years. As a
young kid Sachin was often seen without a helmet, but after a point one
really cannot remember when was the last time he batted without a
helmet, even when two spinners were bowling in tandem.
Sachin's century celebration of taking off his helmet has got more to do
with the innings in context to the match rather than achieving the
milestone. Sachin has always enjoyed bowling, his animated field
settings to the T speak about the involvement and seriousness with which
he wants to excel in every situation. Also the manner in which he
chases the ball even today, Sachin hates when the batsmen chance a
double when played to him, he even expresses it by hurling the ball to
the strikers end from long on, only to tell the batsmen, he is still
very much in it.
Even today Sachin Tendulkar shows desperation for that unlikely
single, even today, this 39-year-old scampers back for that improbable
double and time and again throws himself around on the field only to
deny runs and defy age. This is an attitude indicator of an approach
that has been built through a resolute mindset over the years. Something
most contemporary cricketers don't seem to achieve in the flash and
brash of international and league cricket.
The current generation of cricketers who have had a chance to spend time
with Sachin should consider themselves lucky. Observation and
conversation will help them in their own careers. I've come across quite
a few young cricketers who consider themselves the be all and end all
of Indian cricket. I only hope they understand what it means to be
standing in the company of Sachin Tendulkar.
This doesn't aim to be PR copy, just an account from someone who has
grown up admiring a teacher, who still admits he is learning. Cricket is
very much in parallel to life - a leveller, an educator and a reminder -
as Sachin Tendulkar the student continues to learn, let's also
imbibe from him - and walks the path of modesty, humility and
humbleness. One can always write about his achievements, milestones and
records but let's admire and appreciate the person who hasn't changed
one bit with all the adulation and fame. For once, let's applaud the
person in him and not just the professional.
At 41, Sachin Tendulkar is not here to prove anything to anyone.
He is only being himself even today. A batsman who wants to express
himself in the middle, a cricketer who wants to set the right example
for a cricket-crazy nation and an individual who wants to be what he has
always been. Times change, people do as well, but Sachin the individual
hasn't changed much like his straight drive with a full face of the
bat.
http://www.mikkhailvaswani.com/2014/04/sachin-tendulkar-person-before.html
