Romancing Sachin Tendulkar on Children’s Day

November 14 is a special date. Most people remember it as former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday. People also remember this date as Children’s Day. Was it a sheer coincidence November 14, 2013, is also the date Sachin Tendulkar stepped out to bat in his last Test, the 200^th, in his career. For a champion who made every possible record in cricket, his ‘retirement’ date is still being remembered for various reasons. It was interesting to see a social media post from WV Raman, himself a shrewd cricket analyst, today, that the BCCI should appoint Sachin as the batting consultant for the BGT Series Down Under, beginning on November 22 in Perth. The practice of hiring consultants is now in vogue, by cricket teams. One man who showed that a consultant could work wonders is Ajay Jadeja, who has guided beleaguered Afghanistan so well in white ball cricket.

Back to Sachin Tendulkar, November 14 and his childish face and connect with the masses, it was mass hysteria of sorts when he walked out to bat on this date at the Wankhede Stadium against West Indies, 11 years ago. He was unbeaten on 38 at close of play, and the public had got their money’s worth seeing him bat for one last time. One of his pictures, walking out of the dressing room, had been captured as an iconic one by the ICC. But then, Sachin himself created so many images and is passionately remembered for all that he did for Indian cricket.

Sample this, in an age of stars, mega stars and super stars, where the world still salutes King Kohli, respects MS Dhoni and also a few more legends like Chris Gayle for his massive sixes, Sachin draws people. He attracts attention, evokes interest and instils desire. When he goes to promote a half marathon and poses for a few snaps, the runners come to a halt. That is the magnetic appeal of Sachin, even today. The marathon event thing happened in Kochi quite recently, where Sachin was brand ambassador for one of the main sponsors.

Sachin’s mass connect was and is defining. He brought joy to kids, adults and even elders. The grammar of his batting was a treat to watch. Some said, he had become even greater than cricket itself, which, perhaps, was too much. But then, none other than legend Don Bradman had wanted to meet Sachin. The Bharat Ratna obliged. Each one has a Sachin story, his best knock, how he won a match for India. For someone who scored a 100 centuries, yes, a 100 tons in international cricket, he was God. The fact he could create an entire farewell series for himself, his 199^th and 200^th Tests in Kolkata and Mumbai spoke volumes about how he had become so big. None dared to say a word against him, as Sachin was reverential. In fact, he is still reverential. Any sight of him in a public arena drives people nuts.

It was hard not to gloss over the Sachin records once more and check out a few videos as well where he dominated. The desert storm duel against Late Shane Warne will always be remembered. Some of his Tests ton classics have again gained traction on YouTube. And a glance at his records, 15921 runs in 200 Tests and 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs. These are records of Himalayan proportion which will stay etched in memory forever.

People remember Sachin for his smile, his kindness and how he could strike a pose with kids. Not many would know, there is a Sachin Tendulkar foundation for kids as well. There is a social media post on it as well today, which is Children’s Day. How long will this impact continue, where Sachin is remembered again and again? Forever. That has been his magic.