http://outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20060403&fname=Cricket&sid=1'Retirement? I'm Not Interested In The Question'
The icon says he is not worried about his reflexes slowing down. As for beeing booed, well, weren't Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri too? And then there is Greg Chappell to draw strength from.
G. RAJARAMAN interviews Sachin Tendulkar
He may have hit a slump in Test cricket in recent months, but as he approaches his 33rd birthday, Sachin Tendulkar says he is not worried about his reflexes slowing down. In an interview with Outlook after India capitulated in the final Test against England in Mumbai, India’s most prolific batsman reveals that he is drawing strength from coach Greg Chappell and former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri who have both been booed by cricket fans in India. Excerpts:
His reaction to being booed on home ground in Bombay:
I thought the issue was blown out of proportion by the media.
It wasn’t that bad. I have more well-wishers than the small section of the crowd at Wankhede Stadium that day. I have to ignore them. I cannot forget the backing I have got from the people all these years just because of this. I appreciate the support I have
got over so many years.
On people’s high expectations leading to disappointment:
That is happening. Expectations have always been there. I want to go out there and play my game. Basically not think too much about what X, Y or Z is saying. I don’t think X, Y or Z have played even two cricket balls in the middle.
On the criticism in the media:
I think the media also goes through a patch of bad form sometimes. Honestly, I don’t watch any of the TV channels. All my friends know that I am least interested in knowing these things and don’t bother trying to tell me what the channels are saying or what the newspapers are writing. I remember being asked the question in Sydney if I would read the newspapers the day after I scored a double century there. That was because I had told someone who asked me a few days earlier how I coped with criticism that I didn’t read the newspapers. I said I didn’t need the day’s newspaper to tell me that I had scored a double hundred, just like I don’t need them to tell me that I had not played well. I know what’s happening on the ground. And when I have the coach, captain and the other players to talk to, I don’t need anyone else. It is not that I don’t care about anyone, but sometimes too many people giving you advice can get you into trouble.
On low averages in Tests (37.86 against Sri Lanka, 21.00 in Pakistan and 20.75 against England) since his return from tennis elbow:
I feel I have been batting well. I have made one odd mistake and paid the price. Batsmen sometimes get away with bad shots and are fortunate to see some catches get dropped. I just feel that luck needs to be a bit more on my side. I am not overly worried because everyone goes through such a phase. I think it is part and parcel of life. As long as I know from the bottom of my heart that I am trying my best, it is okay.
On whether his reflexes and footwork have slowed down:
No. I don’t believe that my reflexes have slowed down. I am quite happy with the way my feet move when I am at the crease. I liked the way I was middling the ball both in Karachi and Mumbai. I believe I am getting into the right positions to play each delivery.
On his run drought in Tests:
If you look at things in perspective, I played just three innings in Pakistan and four at home against England. It is fine. Nothing to be concerned about. I speak with senior players who have actually gone through such things and how they dealt with such situations—it makes a huge difference to your confidence. That is what I am trying to do, speak with the seniors. It is important to stay calm mentally. I have played longer than most of the guys who say all this. I know exactly what is happening and what to do. But sometimes, getting guidance from seniors who have played a lot of cricket helps. I have some very good people around who share their thoughts with me.One of them is Greg Chappell. Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar are there too. Talking to them helps.
On whether he will contemplate retirement:
I am not interested in this question.
AuthorTopic: Sachin Tendulkar Interview on Outlookindia.com (Read 249 times)
July 05, 2006, 04:00:35 AM