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[hastalavistababy]

KOLKATA: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday joined the chorus in demanding Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, to batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.

"Sachin is a Bharat ratna. There is no doubt that he should be conferred the Bharat Ratna award," Ganguly told reporters after the practice session of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eden Gardens.

The KKR skipper denied observation from some quarter that his side was weak in the bowling department.

"On the contrary, we have a strong bowling side. We have Shane Bond, Brad Hogg, Ishant Sharma, Ajantha Mendis, Ashok Dinda, Ajit Agarkar and Lakshmi Ratan Shukla."

On the third wicket keeper of the IPL franchise, the KKR skipper said it would be decided soon.

Besides Brendon Mccullum, the Kiwi wicket keeper batsman who is expected to join late in the tournament, KKR have Bengal's Wriddhiman Saha as their second keeper.

The decision would be taken in couple of days and third wicket keeper could be one among Deep Dasgupta, Tilak Naidu and Rohit Sabharwal, Ganguly said.

After a disastrous campaign in the earlier edition last year in South Africa, KKR will feature in the inaugural match against Deccan Chargers in Mumbai on March 12.

[vincent]

I do not think we should downgrade Bharat Ratna. If among the living one person deserves it it would be Abdul Kalam. But then beacuse of his active involvement and popularity he is not in the "good books" of the government.

[saneguy]

I thought Kalam already has it, awarded before Presidency
and SRT has done more for the country than the politician types like VV Giri, MGR etc.

[Cernunnos]

Will he be the first Bharat Ratna to have not scored 500 runs in a series?

[flute]

Kalam is already a Bharat ratna. I support SRT's bharat ratna but I do not like all and sundry dutifully coming out and supporting that idea and SRT's reaction on it. Somehow SRT almost sounded like he wants it.


IMO, no indian deserves it more than SRT in the last 20 yrs...it is indeed good to give it to a non-politician.

[Cernunnos]

Kalam is already a Bharat ratna. I support SRT's bharat ratna but I do not like all and sundry dutifully coming out and supporting that idea and SRT's reaction on it. Somehow SRT almost sounded like he wants it.


IMO, no indian deserves it more than SRT in the last 20 yrs...it is indeed good to give it to a non-politician.

I wonder if there were calls for SMG's Bharat Ratna after crossing 10,000 runs for the first time by a human being, or for Kapil Dev for taking 432 wickets for the first time by a human being.

[teamindia]

Kalam is already a Bharat ratna. I support SRT's bharat ratna but I do not like all and sundry dutifully coming out and supporting that idea and SRT's reaction on it. Somehow SRT almost sounded like he wants it.


IMO, no indian deserves it more than SRT in the last 20 yrs...it is indeed good to give it to a non-politician.

When did it happen? Any links?

[ruchir]

Kalam is already a Bharat ratna. I support SRT's bharat ratna but I do not like all and sundry dutifully coming out and supporting that idea and SRT's reaction on it. Somehow SRT almost sounded like he wants it.


IMO, no indian deserves it more than SRT in the last 20 yrs...it is indeed good to give it to a non-politician.

I wonder if there were calls for SMG's Bharat Ratna after crossing 10,000 runs for the first time by a human being, or for Kapil Dev for taking 432 wickets for the first time by a human being.

As yet, no sportsperson has been given Bharat Ratna. Also, this award is not dished out every year. So theoretically, it is given to a civilian who has served India with unique distinction. Surprisingly it has been awarded mostly to politicians, with a few activists and artists sprinkled here and there.

If it were to be given to a sportsperson, then logically it should be given to someone who has represented India with distinction in the biggest sporting competition in the world.

All of SRT's records are his personal records. Technically, he represent Team BCCI, not Team India. Yes, he represents India and all Indians in spirit, but not legally. He has not won anything for India, he has won stuff for BCCI.

If Bharat Ratna was to be given to a sportsperson, then living members of Olympic Gold winning Indian Hockey team deserve it before anyone else. In recent times, Olympic Gold winning Abhinav Bindra deserve it more than anyone else. These guy won highest medal for their country at the biggest sporting event in the world. They served their country with distinction, not a business entity.

[RicePlateReddy]

I nominate Arun Lal and Ravi Shastri with the caveat that they provide live commentary of their award ceremony. They complement clowns like V V Giri and MGR who are previous recepients.

[Cernunnos]

Kalam is already a Bharat ratna. I support SRT's bharat ratna but I do not like all and sundry dutifully coming out and supporting that idea and SRT's reaction on it. Somehow SRT almost sounded like he wants it.


IMO, no indian deserves it more than SRT in the last 20 yrs...it is indeed good to give it to a non-politician.

I wonder if there were calls for SMG's Bharat Ratna after crossing 10,000 runs for the first time by a human being, or for Kapil Dev for taking 432 wickets for the first time by a human being.

As yet, no sportsperson has been given Bharat Ratna. Also, this award is not dished out every year. So theoretically, it is given to a civilian who has served India with unique distinction. Surprisingly it has been awarded mostly to politicians, with a few activists and artists sprinkled here and there.

If it were to be given to a sportsperson, then logically it should be given to someone who has represented India with distinction in the biggest sporting competition in the world.

All of SRT's records are his personal records. Technically, he represent Team BCCI, not Team India. Yes, he represents India and all Indians in spirit, but not legally. He has not won anything for India, he has won stuff for BCCI.

If Bharat Ratna was to be given to a sportsperson, then living members of Olympic Gold winning Indian Hockey team deserve it before anyone else. In recent times, Olympic Gold winning Abhinav Bindra deserve it more than anyone else. These guy won highest medal for their country at the biggest sporting event in the world. They served their country with distinction, not a business entity.

Let us leave out the politicians for a minute and swallow it like a bitter pill. In the last 20 years, it has mostly been non-politicians - and they have got it after culmination of lifetime's work of around 40-50 years. JRD Tata, Lata, Bismillah Khan, Bhimsen, Kalam, Satyajit Ray, Sen, etc. You need to give that time-frame to attain a certain gravitas worthy of the award. It is far too early to give it to SRT, who is still commercially endorsing life-insurance policies and cola drinks.

And if it is to be given to a sportsman, then arguably, India's greatest sportsman alive is Balbir Singh Sr. To surpass him will be a humiliation to generations of sportsmen.

[LosingNow]

Agree cernu. Khel ratna - yes. Bharat ratna - BS

[WicketView]

While no one has used the words I am about to use, I think some people on this thread have made a case against giving sports persons this award. In other words we (I say we because one part of me can identify with this thought process) are saying that sports occupy a much lower rung of importance than other contributions in terms of arts sciences or public work. I think we should not support such a hierarchy of professions, rather what we should believe in is excelling at whatever one has chosen to do.

[RicePlateReddy]

Let us leave out the politicians for a minute and swallow it like a bitter pill. In the last 20 years, it has mostly been non-politicians - and they have got it after culmination of lifetime's work of around 40-50 years. JRD Tata, Lata, Bismillah Khan, Bhimsen, Kalam, Satyajit Ray, Sen, etc.

All the persons you named - a business icon, a singer, a musician, a technical architect, a move director, an economist  could continue to ply their trade/talents through extensive periods. Viability of sportspersons dealing with intense physical activity is significantly shorter. Sachin started when he was 16 and he is a month away from becoming 37. If at all, he has 4 years left - and that means 85% of his career is certainly over. Considering what he has achieved, the stature with which he is regarded in the cricketing world, the lofty standards he has set for an Indian batsman and especially the cricket mad nation that is India, the discussion is not premature.

You need to give that time-frame to attain a certain gravitas worthy of the award. It is far too early to give it to SRT, who is still commercially endorsing life-insurance policies and cola drinks.

Sachin's presence over cricket is perhaps at its peak - it will diminish as he winds up his playing days and shrink to a fraction of what it currently is, even if he is an administrator, commentator or IPL franchise owner. So I don't buy the gravitas angle. Why should the commercial endorsements matter?  I don't think we necessarily need a 40-50 year settle-in period.

Having said this, I agree that it odd to single Sachin out for this honor when Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar ought to be in the frame when choosing India's greater cricketer.

And if it is to be given to a sportsman, then arguably, India's greatest sportsman alive is Balbir Singh Sr. To surpass him will be a humiliation to generations of sportsmen.

Great as Balbir Singh Sr. was, I would say Vishwanathan Anand has been at least as big a champion.

[feverpitch]

Will he be the first Bharat Ratna to have not scored 500 runs in a series?

Is there any BR who has scored 500 and above in a series? So you see, the template is not set.

[sudzz]

I have read some cricketers autobiography and can't remember the name now, He got knighted for his cricket and in his book he says he felt awkward at his investiture because when compared to the achievements of those around him (this was post WW2) he felt grossly inferior and totally unjustified.

It is similar if SRT is ever given this award the only military award that comes close is Param Vir Chakra and these awards should be truly only by merit and not because of any political affiliation or otherwise.

SRT has done a lot but not enough to deserve this award, nor has Vishy Anand or Abhinav Bindra etc, Bharat Ratna in the field of sport according to me is uncalled for in India at the moment, if one has to just judge on contribution then Leander Paes beats SRT hands down (6-0,6-0,6-0) as he has done more while representing India in a sport where we have been weak and continue to be so.

[vincent]

Sachin is our Shivaji on cricket's battlefield: Thackeray

After brickbats, it is now bouquets for cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar from the Shiv Sena
Sachin's double hundred against South Africa in Gwalior has not only silenced his critics, but clean bowled the Shiv Sena, which had taken on the iconic batsman over his 'Mumbai for all' remark.

"Hundred crore people of this country have already crowned Sachin as Bharat Ratna," Sena chief Bal Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Samana'.

"Shivaji Maharaj used to vanquish Moghuls on battlefield. Similarly, Sachin is a warrior on cricket battlefield. Such warriors are born only in Maharashtra ," Thackeray said.

"Shivaji wielded the sword. Similarly, Sachin wields the bat," the editorial said.

"Sachin does not need anyone's recommendation to be awarded Bharat Ratna. He is already one," it said.

The Sena leadership had last year questioned Tendulkar's loyalty to Maharashtra following his 'Mumbai for all' remark.

http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/mar/05/sachin-already-a-bharat-ratna-thackeray.htm

[Cernunnos]

Let us leave out the politicians for a minute and swallow it like a bitter pill. In the last 20 years, it has mostly been non-politicians - and they have got it after culmination of lifetime's work of around 40-50 years. JRD Tata, Lata, Bismillah Khan, Bhimsen, Kalam, Satyajit Ray, Sen, etc.

All the persons you named - a business icon, a singer, a musician, a technical architect, a move director, an economist  could continue to ply their trade/talents through extensive periods. Viability of sportspersons dealing with intense physical activity is significantly shorter. Sachin started when he was 16 and he is a month away from becoming 37. If at all, he has 4 years left - and that means 85% of his career is certainly over. Considering what he has achieved, the stature with which he is regarded in the cricketing world, the lofty standards he has set for an Indian batsman and especially the cricket mad nation that is India, the discussion is not premature.

On the contrary, certain sportsmen became larger than life after their retirement - Bradman, Owens, Ali, Pele to name a few. Their popularity may not have been the same at their peak, but their legend grew. If that happens with SRT in decades down the line, I have no problem with him getting the BR. But not now. The BR should not be reduced to the level of a popularity contest or an sms poll where we know SRT will win hands down today.

You need to give that time-frame to attain a certain gravitas worthy of the award. It is far too early to give it to SRT, who is still commercially endorsing life-insurance policies and cola drinks.

Sachin's presence over cricket is perhaps at its peak - it will diminish as he winds up his playing days and shrink to a fraction of what it currently is, even if he is an administrator, commentator or IPL franchise owner. So I don't buy the gravitas angle. Why should the commercial endorsements matter?  I don't think we necessarily need a 40-50 year settle-in period.


Having said this, I agree that it odd to single Sachin out for this honor when Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar ought to be in the frame when choosing India's greater cricketer.

That is because of the flavour-of-the-month syndrome, which is why I am against this urgency to crown BR. Kapil's 175* (which was also India's first ever ODI century) was talked of for decades. I wonder how many will remember this flat track 200, apart from it's statistical significance.

And if it is to be given to a sportsman, then arguably, India's greatest sportsman alive is Balbir Singh Sr. To surpass him will be a humiliation to generations of sportsmen.

Great as Balbir Singh Sr. was, I would say Vishwanathan Anand has been at least as big a champion.

Yes, he is a great contender as well. But the way I see it is a BR is like a lifetime achievement award, and Balbir Singh Sr. seems a more apt choice to me.

[flute]

Kalam is already a Bharat ratna. I support SRT's bharat ratna but I do not like all and sundry dutifully coming out and supporting that idea and SRT's reaction on it. Somehow SRT almost sounded like he wants it.


IMO, no indian deserves it more than SRT in the last 20 yrs...it is indeed good to give it to a non-politician.

When did it happen? Any links?

http://cricket.rediff.com/report/2010/mar/02/it-would-be-great-to-get-the-bharat-ratna-tendulkar.htm

Even before breaching the 200-run mark Sachin Tendulkar [ Images ] was hailed as one of the greatest batsmen to grace the game. But that world record feat of becoming the first man to score a double century has seen his greatness rise to levels like never before. Many former and current players now say he is the greatest cricket player, even better than the legendary Don Bradman.

But Tendulkar, being the modest soul he is, said comparisons between players of different eras are unfair and it would be better if every individual's achievements are celebrated rather than compared.

"It is unfair to make comparisons. I have never believed in comparisons, because I respect every individual. That is how I looked at life, not only in cricket but off the field as well. Every individual has his own identity and I am not only talking about Sir Don but all the other players who have played for a long time at the international level.

"They all have made huge sacrifices, and along with them their families have also made sacrifices; we need to respect that. We need to value rather than compare them with someone or the other. I feel we should appreciate what everyone has done and respect them because that is the way I would prefer to look at it," Tendulkar said, at a charity function in Mumbai [ Images ] on Tuesday.

Video

The master batsman expressed hope that if someone does break the record, it should be an Indian.

"The 200 just happened. Even I didn't know that I would achieve the landmark when I started that innings. I hope that whenever it happens it is an Indian breaking the record, so the record stays with us, with our country. Even today I would not say it is my record; so as long as it is India's [ Images ] record, I will be very happy," he said.

Asked to pick some of the best moments of his 20-year-old international career, Tendulkar replied: "I am always happy whenever India wins, not only in cricket but in all walks of life. It is always greater satisfaction when you have done well. So it is difficult to single out moments because there have been so many of them.

"The last one [scoring 200] was extremely satisfying. The 1998 Sharjah series was one of my high points, then the last match [in Gwalior] and all the victories against Pakistan in the World Cups, because all were high pressure games; the Test victory against Australia [ Images ] at Perth in 2008."

With political parties in Maharashtra [ Images ] rooting for him to be conferred the illustrious Bharat Ratna award, the batting ace himself was excited at the prospect.

"The Bharat Ratna is a very rare achievement. The people who have won the award are not only my heroes but of the entire nation. It would be a great achievement to get that award and join the greats, but I am not thinking of it yet. I will just continue playing cricket and not bother about the award," he said.

Tendulkar also voiced his support for the Indian hockey team, saying the victory over Pakistan was special and he is following the team quite keenly at the ongoing hockey World Cup.

"I saw the hockey match between India and Pakistan and it was a very exciting match and lot of tension at the end. I want India to win in every sport they play and that is why I was happy when they won that match against Pakistan. I always want India to do well in all sports and, as a fan, I am always there to support them," he said.

[ramshorns]

Let us leave out the politicians for a minute and swallow it like a bitter pill. In the last 20 years, it has mostly been non-politicians - and they have got it after culmination of lifetime's work of around 40-50 years. JRD Tata, Lata, Bismillah Khan, Bhimsen, Kalam, Satyajit Ray, Sen, etc.

All the persons you named - a business icon, a singer, a musician, a technical architect, a move director, an economist  could continue to ply their trade/talents through extensive periods. Viability of sportspersons dealing with intense physical activity is significantly shorter. Sachin started when he was 16 and he is a month away from becoming 37. If at all, he has 4 years left - and that means 85% of his career is certainly over. Considering what he has achieved, the stature with which he is regarded in the cricketing world, the lofty standards he has set for an Indian batsman and especially the cricket mad nation that is India, the discussion is not premature.

On the contrary, certain sportsmen became larger than life after their retirement - Bradman, Owens, Ali, Pele to name a few. Their popularity may not have been the same at their peak, but their legend grew. If that happens with SRT in decades down the line, I have no problem with him getting the BR. But not now. The BR should not be reduced to the level of a popularity contest or an sms poll where we know SRT will win hands down today.

You need to give that time-frame to attain a certain gravitas worthy of the award. It is far too early to give it to SRT, who is still commercially endorsing life-insurance policies and cola drinks.

Sachin's presence over cricket is perhaps at its peak - it will diminish as he winds up his playing days and shrink to a fraction of what it currently is, even if he is an administrator, commentator or IPL franchise owner. So I don't buy the gravitas angle. Why should the commercial endorsements matter?  I don't think we necessarily need a 40-50 year settle-in period.


Having said this, I agree that it odd to single Sachin out for this honor when Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar ought to be in the frame when choosing India's greater cricketer.

That is because of the flavour-of-the-month syndrome, which is why I am against this urgency to crown BR. Kapil's 175* (which was also India's first ever ODI century) was talked of for decades. I wonder how many will remember this flat track 200, apart from it's statistical significance.

And if it is to be given to a sportsman, then arguably, India's greatest sportsman alive is Balbir Singh Sr. To surpass him will be a humiliation to generations of sportsmen.

Great as Balbir Singh Sr. was, I would say Vishwanathan Anand has been at least as big a champion.

Yes, he is a great contender as well. But the way I see it is a BR is like a lifetime achievement award, and Balbir Singh Sr. seems a more apt choice to me.

Coming to the part outlined in the bold here is what it is.   Tendulkar is first to get to 200 in ODI's so he being who he is and from cricket crazy country like India it is natural to see the adulation's.  Looking at a cricketing perspective there are 10 or so scores of between 180 to 195 as of now.  I am sure there will be someone else that will climb the 200 mountain.  But unless that 200 happens to be on a big stage like the Kapil 175 in the 1983 WC when we were 17-5 and a defeat there would mean curtains for India and we winning that WC is what makes Kapil's 175 among the best best ever knocks played by a player in One day cricket history.  So outside of the historical significance this knock by Tendulkar is not even the best knock played him in ODI's.  His recent 175 in Hyderabad versus the Aussies while chasing and getting close to the 300 plus target is way better than the 200* looking it from a cricketing perspective(opposition, conditions, chasing).   So yes in that sense the 200 will be forgotten when few others players get there which is bound to happen in these batting friendly pitches(just look at how much the Gwalior curator bragged stopping short of calling bowlers to not show up) and the 20-20 game playing a role too.  Not taking anything away from the 200* which is a marvellous exhibition of batsmanship and stamina by SRT.  Credit where due.

[RicePlateReddy]

Let us leave out the politicians for a minute and swallow it like a bitter pill. In the last 20 years, it has mostly been non-politicians - and they have got it after culmination of lifetime's work of around 40-50 years. JRD Tata, Lata, Bismillah Khan, Bhimsen, Kalam, Satyajit Ray, Sen, etc.

All the persons you named - a business icon, a singer, a musician, a technical architect, a move director, an economist  could continue to ply their trade/talents through extensive periods. Viability of sportspersons dealing with intense physical activity is significantly shorter. Sachin started when he was 16 and he is a month away from becoming 37. If at all, he has 4 years left - and that means 85% of his career is certainly over. Considering what he has achieved, the stature with which he is regarded in the cricketing world, the lofty standards he has set for an Indian batsman and especially the cricket mad nation that is India, the discussion is not premature.

On the contrary, certain sportsmen became larger than life after their retirement - Bradman, Owens, Ali, Pele to name a few. Their popularity may not have been the same at their peak, but their legend grew. If that happens with SRT in decades down the line, I have no problem with him getting the BR. But not now. The BR should not be reduced to the level of a popularity contest or an sms poll where we know SRT will win hands down today.

It is tough to imagine how the legend of SRT can grow any larger than it already is, post retirement. Why should further growth of his 'aura' be a necessary criterion to grant him the BR? This 200 was not the inflection point for the case IMO -- his consistency and overall achievements make the case, though I readily see the seasonality bias you sniff with this timing.

I grant you questioning the exact timing of this decision, and I am not supporting those who "demand" the honor for him. I am just saying that the concept and the person in question are not outrageous, by comparative standards, excluding politicians as you suggested. If one could give excellent musicians and play-back singer legends the award, why not a sportsman, that too in a sport that is virtually a religion in India right now and where the man is by all accounts in the top echelon even across generations?

You need to give that time-frame to attain a certain gravitas worthy of the award. It is far too early to give it to SRT, who is still commercially endorsing life-insurance policies and cola drinks.

Sachin's presence over cricket is perhaps at its peak - it will diminish as he winds up his playing days and shrink to a fraction of what it currently is, even if he is an administrator, commentator or IPL franchise owner. So I don't buy the gravitas angle. Why should the commercial endorsements matter?  I don't think we necessarily need a 40-50 year settle-in period.


Having said this, I agree that it odd to single Sachin out for this honor when Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar ought to be in the frame when choosing India's greater cricketer.

That is because of the flavour-of-the-month syndrome, which is why I am against this urgency to crown BR. Kapil's 175* (which was also India's first ever ODI century) was talked of for decades. I wonder how many will remember this flat track 200, apart from it's statistical significance.

Let us take the 200 out of the equation altogether. I feel it is not outrageous to have Sachin in the frame when deciding who to grant the award to. As I mentioned, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar are worthy contenders too. If Bhimsen Joshi, M. S. Subbulakshmi, Lata Mangeshkar,  and Ravi Shankar were awarded the honor, why not some really top notch sportsmen in a country that lives and dies for this sport?

And if it is to be given to a sportsman, then arguably, India's greatest sportsman alive is Balbir Singh Sr. To surpass him will be a humiliation to generations of sportsmen.

Great as Balbir Singh Sr. was, I would say Vishwanathan Anand has been at least as big a champion.

Yes, he is a great contender as well. But the way I see it is a BR is like a lifetime achievement award, and Balbir Singh Sr. seems a more apt choice to me.

Vishy has achieved enough even if he disappears tomorrow. I guess you like the perspective of some distance to see how it holds up over time - I get that point.

And I am personally not upset about the disproportionate importance accorded to cricket. The country obsesses about the sport unlike any other. It is a societal and religious unifier unlike any other. It is unfair to other world champion sportsmen India has produced, but hey, time to get used to life being unfair by definition.

[adhunikbarbarian]

One question --- just what exactly does someone need to get a bharat ratna, and who sets that criteria. Sachin scores a double ton and everyone is clamoring for SACHIN FOR BR  IMO sachin has achieved a lot of milestones in his cricketing career but so has he in terms of commercial endorsements. I am not much of a big follower of cricket as some of the big wigs here but SMG and Kapil also have comparable records if not better and personally i am a little biased towards Kapil's 175* knock which put into conjunction with chaos theory got us the world cup. That is also a FEAT. Wisden named him Indian cricketer of the century although i dont think thats what is of relevance here. There is an undue amount of importance that is being given to SACHIN, or the timing of (t)his performance. This may seem like a very crude point of view but this is what i believe. Raves and rants are most welcome.

[gouravk]

one thing is for sure - this innings of 200* should in no way be influential in deciding of giving him the BR - one innings like that on a flat track is just not worth it.