Sachin Tendulkar quits ODIs: Top 5 reasons that may have influenced his decision
23 years ago, Sachin Tendulkar made his ODI debut vs Pakistan in 1989. Interestingly, his ODI retirement comes with an ODI series against Pakistan around the corner. But what made the Master Blaster decide that it's time to bring the curtains down on his ODI career?
- NDTVSports
- Updated: December 24, 2012 07:23 AM IST
Here's a list of 5 factors that might have played a part in Sachin's decision making.
Slump In Form Post World Cup
The Number 1 reason why Sachin Tendulkar might have decided to call time on his ODI career is his very obvious slump in form after the ODI World Cup last year. The Master Blaster, whose career average is almost 45, was averaging 31 in 10 ODIs since India's World Cup triumph. He did get to his 100th 100 courtesy an ODI ton this year, but that remains his only ODI century in the last 21 months of his ODI career.
Making Way For Youngsters Ahead Of 2015 World Cup
Another reason why Sachin might have decided to quit ODIs is to make way for youngsters at a time when the team is in a transition phase. According to a statement issued by Sachin himself, the preparatory process for India's World Cup defense in 2015 should begin early. If Sachin continued to play, he would have tied up one spot in the playing eleven and the team management's future plans for the ODI team would then have to work around Sachin.
Rotational Policy In Australia
At Number 3 is a factor that might have sent out a message that the team does not need the services of certain seniors in order to do well. MS Dhoni and the team management's decision to adopt the controversial rotation policy in the ODI tri-series in Australia that saw Sehwag, Gambhir and Sachin being rotated and rested turn by turn. Sachin defended the policy, saying it was done to keep all players fresh. But Dhoni did indicate that all three seniors cannot be played together since they would concede 20 extra runs on the field.
Age And Fielding
That brings us to something that is directly related to the team's decision in Australia. Dhoni's remarks that quite a few seniors are slow fielders was aimed at Sachin as well. And the fact that Sachin is almost 40 years old is something that must have affected his energy, stamina and willingness to stay on the field for a long time.
Disrupting Opening Partnership And Pushing Kohli Down To 4
Last but not the least, whenever Sachin, Sehwag and Gambhir played together, Sachin would break the destructive opening partnership of Viru and Gauti. Sachin, as opener was not having the same effect. Also, if Sachin played, India's most prolific ODI batsman over the last one year, Virat Kohli would be pushed down to No. 4 and not get to bat in his preferred spot of No. 3, thereby disturbing the balance of the team.