Little Master bats for strength of integrity
As he walked off with dignity, even annoyed fans couldn’t help but praise him. When the grand master of cricket does that in an important match against a team as strong as West Indies, it is sure to spur a debate.
Having said that, the fact is, the little master walked out with grace, setting an example in the eyes of many. And it’s not only the West Indies captain Darren Sammy who called Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar “a true gentleman” for walking (despite the umpire signalling not out), but also all Sachin fans who feel the man just earned more respect in the eyes of the world.
Anuj Mehta, a 26-year-old businessman, says, “He puts his integrity before anything else. It’s something we must all learn from him. It’s not just about a game, but standing by what you think is right. It’s not only about winning but being a team player. Sachin has always been a great player. And fans don’t love him just because he’s a fabulous batsman, but also because he is a very simple human being.”
That’s the beauty of watching Sachin Tendulkar play — he is professional, yet passionate about the game. After all, it was a game that could have got him his 100th hundred. Fans are upset, yes, but happy as an Indian player has set yet another record altogether. “Many players have done this before, but I’m not too sure if all of them were at such an important stage in their life. And Sachin stands apart from the rest. He has always been a dignified person. We rarely see him losing his temper. When he walked out, I wasn’t surprised. For a man as graceful as Sachin, it must have his natural reaction,” says Utsav, a cricket fan.
For fans who were shocked to see him go and love to watch him bat, it wasn’t the right decision. “His strokes are a treat. But he shouldn’t have walked out without the umpire’s final word. It’s a game, you can’t get emotional about it,” says Richa Nathani, an engineering student.
Whatever critics might say, considering the fan following Sachin has, when he walked out, he proved to everyone that he is not a person who will settle for anything less than respect and love for the sport. Actor Priyanshu Chatterjee tells us, “It’s Sachin and it’s sportsmanship. Sachin epitomises greatness. He did what came naturally to him. What’s the big deal?”
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