Sachin Zone - Blogs

Each year on April 24, fans join cricket pundits in celebrating Sachin's special day. The man himself though, in return, continues to give a reason to most to celebrate cricket every single time he steps out on the field.

Isn't it hypocrisy on our part that although we want him to be honoured with the 'Bharat Ratna', we don't want him to be in the Rajya Sabha. Are we not suggesting that the Jewels of India belong outside the Parliament?

It is always difficult to describe a man who has defied odds for 23 years. It is tougher still to use adjectives for someone who evokes varying emotions from a billion.

After those anxious moments when he was in his nineties, I celebrated along with every member of my team once he got there. We are proud of the feat, after all nobody has ever scored a century of century, but are we as proud of how he got it?

Will Sachin's constant failure to reach the desired three-figure mark force him to call it quits? I am afraid the answer to that question is an emphatic NO.

Sachin Tendulkar may have missed his 100th ton again but what really is a number to a man who has already achieved the pinnacle of sporting success? A euphoric celebration yes; a feat it isn't. Sachin and others at the helm of cricket have their real achievement in having us (wanting to) write and read on them, men who battled for their teams.

Friday will be a big day at Wankhede as Sachin Tendulkar, 33 runs short of his 100th international century, will take to the crease to bat towards the much awaited milestone.

As they say 'any publicity is good publicity' and nobody personifies this statement as fittingly as Shoaib Akhtar.

A reluctant fan, permanent admirer and a completely awe-struck observer writes an open letter to Sachin on his 38th birthday.