COLOMBO: Sachin Tendulkar has looked a driven man throughout this tour. He has trained intensely, played aggressive mentor to the juniors after the defeat in Galle, scored his fifth double-hundred to help India avoid possible defeat at the SSC, and is now going to get his 169th Test cap: the most ever, past Steve Waugh's formidable record.
Most men conquer a milestone and sap, but Tendulkar's greatness is that he has conquered so many and yet retained a meticulous, student-like approach to the game's processes.
Even after so many years of top-flight cricket, he is still the perfectionist, still finicky about getting the little things right. He has even asked for the sightscreen at one end of the P Sara Oval to be increased in height, because he was finding it difficult to sight the angled deliveries from taller bowlers. A lesser batsman would have thought twice before complaining. Coming from Tendulkar, the groundsmen have no option but to quickly comply.
On match eve, a philosophic Tendulkar suddenly indulged a desire to speak, leading to an impromptu chat under a blazing sun. It was a rare occasion when Tendulkar played life coach.Excerpts:
On whether anybody can break his records: Records are meant to be broken. All I can say is, whoever breaks my records should be an Indian.
On the journey: It has gone by quicker than I expected. You just need to enjoy it, it's a cycle. You are not always on top. The simple formula I have followed is, whenever I have gone through phases, I have worked harder. I try and spend all my energy in something I want to get better at.
On his preparations: I'm not saying cricket is simple, but everything around it, if you keep simple, it becomes relatively easy. I have used the huge support I have had over the years as a factor to motivate me, to go out and live up to the expectations I have of myself. For that, the pre-match preparation is extremely important. My preparation was always there. I'm really proud of that. Results are not in your hands, the way you prepare is. In that department, I have not failed.
On playing the most Tests: Obviously you need an x number of years, an x number of Tests. It has taken me 20-plus years and I'm really pleased. In the last few years we've played a reasonable amount of Test cricket. At one stage, in the early 1990s, we hardly got any Tests.
On how he has managed to retain the intensity: Over the years the love for cricket has remained the same. If at all, it has only increased with time. Passion also kept increasing. Whether it is a match or practice, I still enjoy it. I don't take it as a burden. It is God's gift that my life's passion is also my work. I enjoy every moment. I got a chance 20 years ago, and since then I've been living a dream.
His message to the new generation: It's important to dream, and to chase your dreams. Be sincere and honest. Dreams do come true.
Mount 169
Tendulkar will create history, once again, when he walks out play the third Test against Lanka on Tuesday - It will be would be his 169th Test, more than anyone has played. Here's the list of players with most Test appearances (top 15)
Sachin Tendulkar 168 (1989-present)
Steve Waugh 168 (1985-2004)
Alan Border 156 (1978-1994)
Ricky Ponting 146 (1995-present)
Shane Warne 145 (1992-2007)
Rahul Dravid 141 (1996-present)
Jacques Kallis 140 (1995-present)
Mark Boucher 134 (1997-present)
M Muralitharan 133 (1992-2010)
Alec Stewart 133 (1990-2003)
Anil Kumble 132 (1990-2008)
Courtney Walsh 132 (1984-2001)
Kapil Dev 131 (1978-1994)
Brian Lara 131 (1990-2006)
Mark Waugh 128 (1991-2002)
Besides 168 Tests, Tendulkar has also played 442 ODIs, 103 first class matches, 87 List A ties (limited overs first class games) and 41 T20 matches (including one T20 international)
Tendulkar made his first class debut on December 11, 1988, scoring a 100 vs Gujarat to become youngest Indian to score century on first class debut
Tendulkar has missed 14 Tests during his long career
Suresh Raina, India's latest Test debutant, was not even three when Tendulkar made his debut, against Pakistan on November 15, 1989
With just one more hundred, Tendulkar will become the first to post 10 tons against Lanka, and the first to record 10 or more against two nations. Tendulkar already has 10 centuries against Australia
Most men conquer a milestone and sap, but Tendulkar's greatness is that he has conquered so many and yet retained a meticulous, student-like approach to the game's processes.
Even after so many years of top-flight cricket, he is still the perfectionist, still finicky about getting the little things right. He has even asked for the sightscreen at one end of the P Sara Oval to be increased in height, because he was finding it difficult to sight the angled deliveries from taller bowlers. A lesser batsman would have thought twice before complaining. Coming from Tendulkar, the groundsmen have no option but to quickly comply.
On match eve, a philosophic Tendulkar suddenly indulged a desire to speak, leading to an impromptu chat under a blazing sun. It was a rare occasion when Tendulkar played life coach.Excerpts:
On whether anybody can break his records: Records are meant to be broken. All I can say is, whoever breaks my records should be an Indian.
On the journey: It has gone by quicker than I expected. You just need to enjoy it, it's a cycle. You are not always on top. The simple formula I have followed is, whenever I have gone through phases, I have worked harder. I try and spend all my energy in something I want to get better at.
On his preparations: I'm not saying cricket is simple, but everything around it, if you keep simple, it becomes relatively easy. I have used the huge support I have had over the years as a factor to motivate me, to go out and live up to the expectations I have of myself. For that, the pre-match preparation is extremely important. My preparation was always there. I'm really proud of that. Results are not in your hands, the way you prepare is. In that department, I have not failed.
On playing the most Tests: Obviously you need an x number of years, an x number of Tests. It has taken me 20-plus years and I'm really pleased. In the last few years we've played a reasonable amount of Test cricket. At one stage, in the early 1990s, we hardly got any Tests.
On how he has managed to retain the intensity: Over the years the love for cricket has remained the same. If at all, it has only increased with time. Passion also kept increasing. Whether it is a match or practice, I still enjoy it. I don't take it as a burden. It is God's gift that my life's passion is also my work. I enjoy every moment. I got a chance 20 years ago, and since then I've been living a dream.
His message to the new generation: It's important to dream, and to chase your dreams. Be sincere and honest. Dreams do come true.
Mount 169
Tendulkar will create history, once again, when he walks out play the third Test against Lanka on Tuesday - It will be would be his 169th Test, more than anyone has played. Here's the list of players with most Test appearances (top 15)
Sachin Tendulkar 168 (1989-present)
Steve Waugh 168 (1985-2004)
Alan Border 156 (1978-1994)
Ricky Ponting 146 (1995-present)
Shane Warne 145 (1992-2007)
Rahul Dravid 141 (1996-present)
Jacques Kallis 140 (1995-present)
Mark Boucher 134 (1997-present)
M Muralitharan 133 (1992-2010)
Alec Stewart 133 (1990-2003)
Anil Kumble 132 (1990-2008)
Courtney Walsh 132 (1984-2001)
Kapil Dev 131 (1978-1994)
Brian Lara 131 (1990-2006)
Mark Waugh 128 (1991-2002)
Besides 168 Tests, Tendulkar has also played 442 ODIs, 103 first class matches, 87 List A ties (limited overs first class games) and 41 T20 matches (including one T20 international)
Tendulkar made his first class debut on December 11, 1988, scoring a 100 vs Gujarat to become youngest Indian to score century on first class debut
Tendulkar has missed 14 Tests during his long career
Suresh Raina, India's latest Test debutant, was not even three when Tendulkar made his debut, against Pakistan on November 15, 1989
With just one more hundred, Tendulkar will become the first to post 10 tons against Lanka, and the first to record 10 or more against two nations. Tendulkar already has 10 centuries against Australia
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