The reactions varied to batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar's nomination to the Rajya Sabha, with some welcoming the move and others critical of his new role, which will deprive him from playing. Social activist Anna Hazare, who is in Mumbai for a two-day trip for consultations on the Lokayukta bill, welcomed the move. However, he mentioned that he is more interested in a corruption-free nation more than anything else at this point.
Information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni in New Delhi on Thursday hailed the nomination of Sachin Tendulkar for Rajya Sabha saying it was a "very good step".


She appreciated UPA's initiative in nominating Tendulkar as a member of RS saying, "Whenever Congress is in government, it has always nominated such personalities, which leads to an enviornment of energy and encouragement in the country."
Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray also reserved his comments. “Whether or not the Congress gives Tendulkar a Rajya Sabha seat or not, it is between them. I do not want to say anything about this,” he said.


However, Congress MP from north Mumbai Sanjay Nirupam welcomed the move. “Sachin deserves every bit and more. He also deserves a Bharat Ratna. I whole heartedly welcome this decision,” he said.


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Madhav Bhandari, however, said: “As a fan of Tendulkar, I will welcome this move, but as an observer of politics, it will be like keeping him away from his biggest passion - cricket. I also see this as a trick to keep Tendulkar from a Bharat Ratna.”


Commoners, on the other hand, were baffled even at the possibility of Tendulkar as a Rajya Sabha member.


“I am perplexed. Who recommended him? What were they thinking? And tell me what will he do on that position? Sachin is a good cricketer and let them stay in the field of cricket and achieve greater heights,” said Deep Vora, a software professional.


Agreed another Mumbaikar Raghavendra BR, a musician. “Sachin is an achiever in his own right. But I don't quite agree with him being nominated for Rajya Sabha, especially, with his busy schedule,” he said.


“Sachin never seemed to have any inclination towards politics or working of the parliament. I wonder if he has the time to get political, given that his passion for Cricket is so strong. However knowing the personality that he is, I am sure he could do a lot of good to cricketing in India,” said Ajinkya Raut, a dentist and a cricket fan.

Sachin Tendulkar has been called the God of cricket. For most individuals that would be an unbearable burden. But then few individuals could even dream of posting such statistics as a 100 international centuries, or over 15000 test runs, the first batsman to get a double century in one-day internationals.


And then again, the purists will say, don't look at numbers, look at his game. Then, they too will sigh at the craft of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, the man with almost every stroke in the book.
What separates the Master Blaster from others is his unmatched ability to adapt to format, physical conditions and the situation the team is in; this has assisted him in amassing runs in all parts of the world. 


He is revered. And yet when he takes over a year to make his 100th ton, an incredible statistic, there are those who point out that India lost to Bangladesh in the effort to notch that hundred. Sachin is compelled to explain that he plays for the team, that he will continue playing. And it goes on - a national obsession. We heard it all before. At heated canteen debates, on long facebook discussions, in every nook-and-cranny of the country.


Born in Mumbai on April 24, 1973, his father Ramesh named him after music composer, Sachin Dev Burman. But it was his elder brother Ajit who  encouraged Sachin to take up cricket and took the 12-year-old to Mumbai's legendary cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar. The master-blaster still credits 'Achrekar Sir' with building his technique and powers of concentration


Sachin Tendulkar has been talked about ever since he notched a 664-run partnership with Vinod Kambli as a schoolboy playing in the Harris Shield, an inter-school tournament. At 14, Tendulkar was a ball-boy for India's match against Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium during the 1987 World Cup; few would have thought that they had caught a glimpse of greatness. 
Sunil Gavaskar, who was the most successful Test batsman of that era, presented the promising youngster a pair of his own ultra-light pads, a gesture that Sachin says was the biggest encouragement for him. He said that after smashing Gavaskar's long-standing record for the most number of Test centuries.


Tendulkar scored 100 not out in his debut first-class match for Bombay against Gujarat and went on to score centuries on his debut in the Deodhar and Duleep Trophy.


He was selected to play for the Indian side in the 1989 tour to Pakistan. His performances were not thoroughly convincing, but what was credible was his urge to perform despite being hit by potentially lethal bouncers from the Pakistan pacers.


Sachin's first century came almost a year later on the tour to England, he scored an unbeaten 119 and was highly praised for his style and discipline. He had five Test tons before he turned 20 and was a the youngest to reach a 1000 runs in Test cricket.


His flamboyant display not only allowed him to score runs freely but also went a long way in intimidating the bowlers. Sachin went on to establish an indispensable position in the Indian middle order. Though he waited 79 innings to get to his first ODI hundred (in 1994, against Australia, in Colombo), Sachin was the first to get to  10,000 runs in one-day cricket and has scored 49 centuries in that format.


At a time when Indian cricket lost track of its past glory and balance, Sachin Tendulkar seemed to be the only guiding light. The Indian batting was virtually circled around Sachin Tendulkar, inviting awe and anticipation to his presence on the field. Sachin would go on to break the records of the most number of runs and centuries in either format of the game. He also scored the first double century in One Day Internationals, almost 40 years after the format was introduced.
He has been widely compared with the greatest batsman of all time, Don Bradman, who himself admitted that Sachin's style was the closest to that of his own.


Tendulkar's achievements hold even more significance considering the weight of expectations carried by him.  He is the only Indian cricketer to get the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri and the Padma Vibhushan ( India's second-highest civilian honour). Sachin is also a honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force.


Surprising as it may sound, the 39-year old, possesses child-like enthusiasm for the sport, a fact revealed by former teammate Rahul Dravid. A passion that is shared by his family ; his wife Anjali doesn't eat or drink whenever Sachin is at the crease.


By Sachin's own admission, winning the World Cup in 2011 was his 'biggest dream' come true.


The only question mark in an otherwise glittering career is Sachin's captaincy record. In the 25 tests he captained India in, he won just 4 and lost nine In the 73 one-dayers he was captain, India managed to win just 23.


His style and approach have changed over the past few years. Some say it is to elongate his career while some say it is the sport that has brought about the change.  But the most suitable explanation seems to be the evolution of a man who has never shown signs of complacency despite having almost every record in the book.  Sachin may use the heaviest bat in international cricket (over 3.2 pounds) but  what is admirable is that after 23 years of international cricket, it remains one of the broadest that there is.


In a nutshell, Sachin Tendulkar turned a sport into a religion, something that no one had ever done.


courtesy : NDTV

Sachin 39th Birth Day Celebration Photo

Sachin with his wife Anjali during his 39th birth day celebration

When 16-year old Tendulkar stepped onto the international scene against Pakistan, it must have seemed amusing to many. After all, the kid would have to face the likes of Imran Khan, Wasim Akaram and another debutant Waqar Younis.
However, although Sachin did not score a lot of runs barring a half century, he was noted for the temperament he posed in dealing with the fierce Pakistan pace attack.

A year later, the batting maestro became the second youngest player to score a Test ton during India’s tour of England. Sachin’s innings of 119 not out, along with Manoj Prabhakar’s 67 not out, had saved the day for the visitors.
 Then came ‘Sachin vs Australia’ era in the year 1998, when Tendulkar ripped apart the Australian attacks. During Australia’s tour of India, he scored three continuous test tons. In the same year, he smashed nine ODI centuries in 12 months. Tendulkar had become the fifth player in ODI history to pile up 7,000+ runs.

His performances earned him the opportunity to meet Australia’s Sir Don Bradman, regarded by many as the greatest batsman to play the game. The Australian legend had once told his wife when he saw Sachin play on TV, “I never saw myself play, but I feel that this player is playing much the same as I used to play.” In the year 2001, against the West Indies, Sachin increased his test tons to 29 after which he was at par with Sir Don Bradman who had also scored 29 tests centuries.
 As it is said, records are made to be broken. However, Sachin had not only broken records, but also went on to create new ones. In 2002, he became the youngest player (31) in the world to represent his country in 100 Tests. Presently, he holds the record of having played the most number of Tests (188) and ODIs (462).

His on field performances also made him a big hit among advertisers. In 2006, he signed a record deal of Rs 180 crore for over three years with Saatchi & Saatchi’s Iconix. Sachin holds the record of having scored the highest runs in Tests (15,470) and ODIs (18,374).

In the year 2010, Sachin achieved what no other cricketer had earlier! He was the first player to register an ODI double century. Tendulkar scored 200 not out against South Africa that year. His proudest moment came a year later when team India had their hands on the 2011 World Cup. Sachin, who was inspired to pick up the cricket bat purely out of love for the game and a dream to win a World cup for his country, saw it turn into a reality.
 Finally, after a year long wait, Sachin achieved the unimaginable! He became the first and only player to score 100 international centuries. The batting legend reached the landmark against Bangladesh during the Asia cup.

Post all the achievements and despite rumors of retirement, Sachin’s brand value has not dipped much. He undoubtedly also remains the richest cricketer in the world with an estimated annual earning of around Rs 250- 300 crore.  

Sachin Tendulkar turns 39 on Tuesday but no big celebrations have been planned so far by the batting icon or hisMumbai Indians teammates though his die-hard fans have made elaborate plans to observe the day in a big way. 
Tendulkar and his wife Anjali, but without their two children, arrived here by an afternoon flight from Mumbai. 
The batting maestro's IPL team Mumbai Indians teammates also arrived here with him. Mumbai are set to clash with Kings XI Punjab in Mohali on Wednesday. 

Sachin's 39 th Birth day photos

While the five star hotel where Tendulkar and his teammates are staying have made arrangements on their own to throw a party to celebrate his birthday, his first after scoring his 100th international ton, but MI sources said the event is likely to be a low-key affair. 
A small private function may be kept and his teammates will wish him on his birthday and cut the cake. MI team owner Nita Ambani is also likely to be present, the sources said. 
"There may be a small function, but nothing grand. Tendulkar is a very private person and we are not expecting the event to be a bash. It will be a small function," a team source said. 


A senior official of the hotel said they were ready with their preparations, but were waiting for the green signal from Tendulkar's side. 
This will not, however, dampen the spirit of his die-hard fans. As the team arrived at the hotel, his fans had already lined up. 
"We are a group of friends studying in a college. All of us have placed order for a 10-kg cake to celebrate Tendulkar's birthday. All our friends will be joining us and a big party will be thrown as it is his first birthday after he scored his 100th century recently," said Tanya Mittal, one of his fans. 
Last year, Tendulkar did not celebrate his birthday following the demise of his spiritual guru Satya Sai Baba. 
Tendulkar has scored 51 centuries in Test cricket from 188 matches and 49 tons from 463 ODIs he has played so far in his international career spanning nearly 23 years.

Ganguly Celebration after took his first wicket in ipl5

Ganguly took Kevin Peterson Wicket

Ganguly Bowling in the match against Delhi Daredevils

Memorable quotes from the Little Master :


At least with me, the match starts much, much earlier than the actual match. 


Beating Pakistan is always special because they are a tough team and we have a bit if a history regarding Pakistan. 


But eventually it is a game of cricket. 


Every individual has his own style, his own way of presenting himself on and off the field. 


I always had a dream to play for India but I never let it put pressure on me. 

Sachin During Press Meet

I believe every era has its significance and the same holds true for players and coaches. 


I feel when somebody has been playing cricket for a long time, he creates a separate identity for himself. 


I hate losing and cricket being my first love, once I enter the ground it`s a different zone altogether and that hunger for winning is always there. 


I have never believed in comparisons, whether they are about different eras, players or coaches. 


I have never thought where I will go, or forced any targets on myself. 


I have never tried to compare myself to anyone else. 


I just keep it simple. Watch the ball and play it on merit. 


I just want to continue the way I am going. 


I never played with a runner in my entire life, even in schools, because only I know where the ball is going and how hard, when I hit the ball, something my runner will never know about. 


I want to give my six hours of serious cricket on the ground and then take whatever the result. 

At an award ceremony on Thursday evening, former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga said that, Sachin Tendulkar still has a lot of cricket left and should continue playing test cricket.

However Ranatunga made it clear that, the decision of retirement is very important decision and the player should understand when his time is up. He referred to his own example explaining his statement.

Arjuna Ranatunga At Award ceremony in Colombo.

“When I took my decision I always thought that I could have played for three more years. Now I feel that I took the right decision because people ask me why are you retiring rather than when are you retiring,” he was quoted by Khaleej Times.

Ranatunga further added referring to Sanath Jayasuriya that, people shouldn’t question your value and presence in the team. “Ultimately the entire country asked him when are you retiring and he still plays,” he said.

Ranatunga retired from international cricket in 2001. He was involved in a lot of controversies during his career. He’s also credited to for leading Sri Lanka to their only World Cup win in 1996. Since his retirement he has entered politics and also held the Deputy Minister of Tourism portfolio for Sri Lanka.

Sachin had Full Practice Session in Mumbai

The batting legend confirmed to MiD DAY that his right index finger has healed. "It (finger) is good now, Tendulkar told MiD DAY after a practice session at the Mumbai Cricket Associations ground in Bandra Kurla Complex yesterday. Tendulkar batted in full zest for nearly two hours in the nets and the veteran batsman in all probability looks set to take the field against Kings XI Punjab at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

He started off cautiously, trying to concentrate on middling the ball well. But as he got into his stride, Tendulkar started to unleash his signature strokes. It was a treat to watch the elegant straight and cover drives, the cut shot, and the inside-out shot over the cover region. The legendary batsman seemed to be in experimental mood as he played some shots which we may not have seen him executive in his near 23-year international career. He attempted the switch hit a number of times in spite of finding it tough to connect on a couple of occasions.

Another shot he played quite often was dabbing the ball in the third man region. He was also seen adapting to West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul-like stance - a bit open-chested.

Tendulkar missed the last five games for Mumbai Indians after hurting his right finger while trying to defend a short one from Chennai Super Kings' Doug Bollinger in the Indian Premier League-V opener on April 4. He resumed training a few days before the Delhi Daredevils match last week, but there was still some discomfort felt. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, will be hoping Tendulkar's return will boost the team.

For all his tremendous talent and potential, Rohit Sharma, who will turn 25 later this month, has not played a single Test. Rohit, though, is not letting this setback affect him. "I don't want to put pressure on myself by thinking about it. I already face enough pressure when I play for Mumbai in domestic cricket or in the IPL. I am satisfied with what I have done...I need to be patient, stay calm and positive. I know that day will come," he tells TOI. 


Has he talked to Sachin Tendulkar about it? "Not specifically about this, but we do talk a lot about cricket, about technique," he says. The maestro had recently marked out Rohit and Virat as batsmen who may even go on to score more international hundreds than him. "He has a lot of belief in me. I don't want to disappoint him. It was a huge compliment from him... considering that he never gives statements like that casually," Rohit says. 




Presently, Rohit is getting over his disappointments in Australia by smashing the bowlers in the IPL. He took couple of games to warm up before turning it on with a match-winning, unbeaten 73 against his former team Hyderabad. "In the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, it was up to me to take us through," Rohit says. 


In the IPL, Rohit has acquired the reputation of a deadly finisher. That evening in Vizag, he took 19 runs off Daniel Christian's last over to add to that reputation. Back in 2009, he blasted 26 runs off Mashrafe Mortaza to pull off a stunning win for Team Hyderabad over Team Kolkata. 


"I enjoy the moment when I win the match for my team. I don't want to be somebody chasing records. I want to be known as someone who has given everything for the team...won matches for the team. Sometimes I fail too, but I try to learn from these failures," Rohit said. 


No wonder, for Rohit, his sweetest IPL moments are those inspired match-winning efforts, apart from being a member of the title-winning Hyderabad team in 2009. The T20 tournament has helped his growth as a player. 


"I have played shots here that I would never have played before. The IPL has given me a lot of confidence," Rohit says. 


Mumbai's motto is the same as India's was during the World Cup: 'Win it for Sachin.' "Harbhajan has said that we must win it for him. We have explosive batsmen, a well-balanced team. We have started well and we need to carry on," Rohit says.

Sachin Tendulkar is likely to miss Wednesday's Indian Premier League game against Rajasthan Royals but cannot be ruled out of the entire tournament, Mumbai Indians' team mentor and bowling coach Shaun Pollock said on Tuesday.

"It's a long tournament, so we give him every chance, every game to see if he will be fit. I am not sure about tomorrow, whether there will be enough time (for him to be fit). I think by the time the 16th game (against Delhi Daredevils here) comes around everything should be fine (with Tendulkar)," said Pollock at the pre-match media conference.

"Who knows if he feels better tomorrow we will be happy to give him a chance (to play)," he added.

Tendulkar has not played the last two games after getting hurt on his right hand middle finger during the IPL 5 opener against Chennai Super Kings on April 4.

In his absence MI had tried out Ambati Rayudu and T Suman as partners to South African Richard Levi.

"I thought Suman played quite well (in the previous game against Deccan Chargers at Vizag) but it was a brilliant catch by Dale Steyn, and it was a wonderful over from Dale, a brilliant yorker," said Pollock.

But he pointed out that despite the poor start the team won a thriller off the last ball against Deccan Chargers, thanks to a belligerent knock of 73 not out by Rohit Sharma.

"Unfortunately we haven't got off to a start we wanted. We got off to a poor start but still managed to win the game. That will give us confidence to chase any total. It was important for Rohit to get a good score. It will do wonders for his confidence as well," the former Proteas captain said.

According to Pollock, two wins out of three at this stage of the tournament was an encouraging start.

"It was important we got over the line yesterday. Those are the close ones you need to win in a tournament like this which gives you confidence, gives you momentum and hope it gives you the advantage. Still waiting to find our feet a little bit, but happy to win 2 out of 3."

Pollock said low-scoring games provided for good contests as teams chasing were not certain about how to go about it.

"I think teams are becoming cleverer as the tournaments unfold. Over the years people have got the understanding what is required from a bowling perspective and you don't often see those big scores often as it used to be in the past.

"I think often the small totals make for great games because you are not hundred per cent sure how you should go - hard up front or pace yourselves keep wickets in hand."

The 38-year-old former cricketer saw his countryman and IPL debutant Levi as a match-winner if he gets going.

"This is a bit of a new experience for him. He's such a wonderful striker of the ball, has the ability to win games on his own. If he can get going it can be wonderful for us," said Pollock who has played in 108 Tests and 303 ODIs.

Asked about the warning and fine to captain Harbhajan Singh and pacer Munaf Patel, respectively, by the match referee for breach of Code of Conduct in last night's game, Pollock said though he did not see the incident the behaviour doesn't seem to be "ideal".

"Actually I did not see what went on because I had run inside to see the replay whether he (Chargers' captain Kumar Sangakkara) was out or not. But obviously their behaviour wasn't ideal because they got hauled in before the match referee, fined a match fee and given a reprimand," said Pollock.

"(But) it's very frustrating when you bowl someone and the umpires are not giving you that wicket. I think the confusion may have happened because the square leg umpire might have seen the ball ricochet off the keeper and hadn't actually seen the angle of how it came off the bat.

"I think they both consulted and when they both weren't sure it would have made things a bit easier if they had gone upstairs (to the TV umpire).

"I think you can understand how players... wanting the wicket of Sangakkara, it was a big wicket. But like I said, I did not exactly see their behaviour, but obviously it wasn't ideal," he added.

Munaf was fined 25 per cent of his match fees while Harbhajan received an official warning.

Pollock also praised Rajasthan Royals opener Ajinkya Rahane who had played for MI in the first two years of IPL.
"Ajinkya is a wonderful player. He's come on in leaps and bounds since I first met him at the Mumbai Indians back in seasons 1 and 2. He's played for India now, toured all around the world. He's started off with the wonderful knock in the game they played the other day, so he's a good player and we will have to bowl well to him," he said.

He also conceded that he was surprised by the turn the spinners got out of the Wankhede track in a previous game.

"I was a bit surprised as we played a few practise games and the ball didn't behave the way it did during the match (against Pune Warriors). But that was no excuse for us losing the last game.

"In the IPL you need to adjust to all the different conditions you come across if you want to be successful. It was disappointing the way we played here the last time. Very keen to put that straight and play much better this time around," he added.

Mumbai Indians‘ batsman Richard Levi said his opening partner Sachin Tendulkar provided the calmness he needed during his electric knock against the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League opener here Wednesday.


Levi, who made headlines after hitting the fastest hundred in T20 Internationals for South Africa against New Zealand, smashed 50 off 35 balls to help Mumbai Indians chase down Super Kings’ 112 with ease.


The 24-year-old felt the fresh pitch at Chepauk was good for batting and Sachin’s presence at the other end made things easier for him.

Richard Levi with man of the match trophy

“It was fantastic batting with him. He was such a calming figure out there and so easy to talk to,” said Levi, who shared a 69-run stand with Sachin before the master blaster retired hurt as a sharp Doug Bollinger delivery hit his gloves.


On Sachin’s injury, Levi said: “Sachin should be fine soon. There was some bleeding in his fingers. He will be going for a scan but it should be okay.”

Richard Levi with man of the match trophy in IPL T20

Talking about the pitch, he said: “It (the ball) came on nicely on to the bat. One or two bounced a lot though.”