A well-scripted and premeditated retirement drama of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Phew, finally… This was one of the comments posted on a social website by a present generation cricket writer.

Yes, he was reacting to the big announcement on Thursday that the ‘Lordly’ figure of Indian cricket is going to hang up his boots.

It was news that took the Indian and world media by storm, for this personality — Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar — had finally announced his intent to say goodbye to the game he eats, drinks and sleeps come November 14.

Coming back to the comment of the cricket writer, I too would have reacted the same way, for I have been one of those who felt the ‘R’ day for the Indian icon was long overdue.

I have many-a-time opined that Sachin Tendulkar might have called it a day when India won the World Cup in 2011. The entire nation had dedicated this crowning glory to the man they adored.

At least he should have bid adieu to the One-day format, but that was not to be, and he continued.

He bore the brunt of critics, who even went to the extent of calling him ‘selfish’. His extensive stint of failures, too, deterred him from saying, it’s time.

What resulted, was that his fame was being questioned. Comparisons emerged with Australia’s Ricky Ponting retiring when failures dogged him.

India’s highly respected figure was suddenly being portrayed negatively. He was also accused of blocking the entry of the next generation. To an extent, this was true, as there were many talented cricketers lurching around, but they just could do nothing much but keep knocking at the door of Indian cricket.

The doors started opening only when players, who shared the stage with this icon, gracefully disappeared to the back stage.

It was in December last year, when Sachin Tendulkar realised age was catching up and his reflexes were not matching his talent. Then he called it quits in the 50-over format.

A good ‘late’ realisation, indeed, but that only made his countrymen more curious about his final statement — ‘I am quitting all forms of cricket’.

And finally, the statement came after months of deliberations.

Though his all-time companion, Rahul Dravid, claimed that Sachin Tendulkar has finally listened to his heart, I feel this decision has come out not wholeheartedly, but after a shrewd off-the-pitch move.

There were, indeed, reports about the Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) sounding to the Mumbai star that it’s time for his swan song. It was also hard to believe when chief selector Sandeep Patil denied that he voiced the ‘retirement’ opinion to Tendulkar.

Then, why was the South African sojourn stalled  temporarily?

Why did BCCI hastily arrange a home series with West Indies?

The game plan, as I understand, has been stage-managed with the consent of the Indian star, who has crossed 50,000 runs in all forms of cricket. With due respects to Tendulkar’s unmatchable achievements, it is acceptable that the cricketing hero wants to bow out on his home soil.

But his greatness could have climbed a notch higher had he decided to go off the field the hard way, just as he came on.

Remember that bleeding, brave face on his debut tour to Pakistan? I am sure no one will erase it from their memories.

In the same way, a South African sojourn could have left more impact on this retirement drama, rather than stage-managing a show for the ceremonial exit.

Now that it has been made clear that the ‘master blaster’ will call it quits after playing 200 Tests. And much to his liking, the BCCI has decided to play the November 14-18  Test (Tendulkar’s 200th) in Mumbai.

Nevertheless, the majority in India and abroad have found it hard to digest that their hero will play only two more Tests. And I, too, join them in applauding what the little master has done for Indian cricket. It has been a 24-year legacy for this noncontroversial gentleman, who has not even spoken out on the various scams the game has witnessed. Now, what’s next for this personality?

Indeed, he will still live on as India’s most respected ‘brand’, but can he live without cricket?

“It’s hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket, because it’s all I have done since I was 11-year-old,” Sachin Tendulkar was quoted as saying. Yes, very soon we will see Sachin Tendulkar in his new avatar, but I would like to see him dig deeper as an administrator and clean up the scam-tainted game. Only he can do it.

He may find it difficult to live without the game, but as a true cricket fan, it’s time for everyone to move on — for a new hero will emerge, even though none can replace this ‘great’ icon.