By Amit - 11 Aug '03
August 11 2002

What I am about to say is definitely going to irritate a few people, but I believe that as a fan of the Indian cricket team I am obligated to say this. Sachin Tendulkar’s peak as a batsman has happened and is over. Gone are the days when the Little Maestro could rip apart any attack, regardless of form, score, or conditions. The Tendulkar that walks out to bat these days is a mere shadow of his former self, or at least that’s what it looks like at the moment.

However, there may be a cure for this strange ill that has affected our celebrated hero. As a fan who became interested in cricket late, I never saw Sachin during his heyday. At least not his fine innings against Australia when it seemed like God himself had decided to bat. I finally saw a tape of Tendulkar’s batting in 1999, and was shocked. Instead of the reserved, cautious, and at times even slow Tendulkar of the England and Zimbabwe tours I saw a player that oozed confidence. The Tendulkar that I saw didn’t care about following the rules of cricket, for him there weren’t any. It was uncontainable aggression. Of course he got out, but not before making bowlers tear their hair out. This Tendulkar played his natural game.

Now people will say that the Master Blaster had no choice but to tone down his game, because his mere presence at the crease is enough to inspire anyone to bring out their best -- just ask Virender Sehwag. However, a player is most dangerous when playing his natural game. This is partly why Rahul Dravid seems to find it impossible to open the innings, although the difference may not be great between No.3 and opening, to Dravid it makes a world of difference because this is where he plays his natural game. Tendulkar is not as greatly affected because, quite simply, he is Tendulkar.

But just because Sachin can adapt to playing in different situations doesn’t mean he should. India is dampening the effectiveness of their best batsmen. Virendra Sehwag is a perfect example of how much difference pressure makes. When India was given the task of chasing down New Zealand’s 265 in the Coca Cola Cup in Sri Lanka last year, Sehwag batted like he didn’t have a care in the world. Why? Because he didn’t! He knew the whole team didn’t depend on him, he also knew that he had nothing to lose so he might as well play his natural game. And it is because of this that Sehwag’s career really took off.

Now, it is time for Tendulkar to do the same. I find it absolutely ridiculous that the same person who made Shane Warne clueless, looked like a club level batsmen against Ray Price. The truth is that it is us, fans of Indian cricket, and supporters of Sachin that cause this. Although Sachin is a tremendous player, he can’t score a century whenever he wants, and he can’t hit a six of every ball he faces. I remember last year, on Sachin’s birthday, Rediff.com gave the opportunity for people to send Sachin their birthday wishes. I, being the obsessed, crazy, and fanatical Tendulkar fan that I am wrote something on these lines.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY SACHIN! You are the best batsmen in the world, but can you score a 200 in ODI’s and a 300 in tests? Thanks, Amit”

A lot of help that must have done eh? Sachin is not a god, he is a human being, and we must accept this. Let him play his natural game.. that’s good for everyone, except the opposing bowlers. I frankly do not care if he gets out for 50 off 40 balls, an innings like this can dampen the opposition's confidence no matter what the previous situation. Has anyone noticed how Tendulkar doesn't look happy anymore? In all the old tapes I have seen he's grinning all the time and jumping up and down whenever he hits a boundary. I fiercely believe that this so-called "lean patch" has lasted long enough!

So let's have faith, show support and watch as the 25 year old who made bowlers cry is reborn. Have fun Sachin!