By Gaurang
March 16 2012

Almost exactly a year ago Tendulkar scored his last international hundred, on March 12, 2011, 111 against South Africa in the World Cup.  Soon after he achieved his most cherished dream that of winning the World Cup.  But after that high, followed an agonizing year where he chased the elusive and artificial landmark of 100 international 100s. 

Twice in the interim he perished in the 90s first at his home away from home, London, at the Oval in August and then at home in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium.  The agony amongst his fans was palpable on each ocassion, but if he felt it, he kept it well under wraps.  Yet one must conclude that it was a landmark he craved, for he decided to start playing ODIs again regularly, seemingly to increase his odds of reaching the milestone.  He averaged a very un-Tendulkar like 27 during that stretch in ODIs and a bit better 37 in Test matches.

Of course it was not as if replacements in either format were jumping up and making a claim, so one could say that he was arguably still being chosen on merit, with the added factor of his immense experience, presence in the dressing room and awesome record in both formats also weighing in his favor.  However, people were begining to question his selection.  That was something that would have rankled him no end, though again he did not display any such annoyance in public, except maybe mildly by saying that he had not even considered retirement.

In his interview with Rameez Raja after the innings he revealed that everyone, from journalists, to well wishers, to staff at the hotels he was staying at were constantly telling him that they were hoping for him to achieve the landmark, which he said was mostly the creation of the media.   His reaction to reaching the landmark was not out of the ordinary which was as it should have been.  As the most important thing was winning the game.  With the media generated monkey off his back one hopes he once again plays with the carefree abandon that he displayed in the ODIs leading up to the World Cup last year.  In doing so, he may just lead India to another Asia Cup.  That will be something truly worth celebrating and something all Indian fans will be wishing for.

Tendulkar's Year Long Wait Ends

Discussion started by Indian Cricket Fever (IP Logged), 16/03/2012 19:40

Indian Cricket Fever
16/03/2012 19:40

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Atul
16/03/2012 20:12

Gaurang bahi next target de diya aapne Sachin ko "to lead and win Asia Cup" the other Sachin Fan
His 100th 100 is also worth celebrating even if we win or lose Asia cup.

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Birbal
16/03/2012 21:33

No doubt...worth celebrating...but not too much...much rather celebrate Asia Cup win...

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Birbal
18/03/2012 18:34

Played like Tendulkar of old

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audioman
20/03/2012 16:34

Played like the Tendulkar of the subcontinent, really.

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