Bharat Ratna awardee and perhaps the greatest batsmen ever to play the game of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar in his recent chat with TOI, opened up about his son's future in cricket and also about comparisons in cricket which he feels is actually not right.
Having played in the Indian Fab 5 era and having churned out runs against tougher oppositions than the Indian team in the modern era,Tendulkar's insights on this aspect of the game is sure to make cricket fans think.
"I don't like comparing teams. Because when we start comparing, we kind of take away something from someone," Sachin said.
"Sports teaches you how to rectify your shortcomings and the larger picture is India's health," Sachin added on how sports teaches us to grow as a person.
On being asked about the current Indian team and its meteoric rise, Sachin said " I don't like comparing teams. Because when we start comparing, we kind of subconsciously take away something from someone. They all have contributed in their own ways and to get to this level, all the players have sacrificed and worked hard. So I don't like taking away something from someone. I would rather say that whatever the team is, if we are doing well right now, we should stay with them and appreciate it. If they are not doing well, then we should encourage them, and support them. So, that is how I look at it. There are some individuals who show exuberance while others have aggression inside them. It does not mean that if someone doesn't showcase his aggression, he wants to win less. Everyone wants to win. Some players have a different body language; some are different from the inside. Eventually, what matters is that everyone wants to win. And that is what we would discuss in the dressing room, that how would we win the match".
In the next section of his interview, he spoke in depth about his son Arjun Tendulkar's growth as a cricketer and how does he predict his future to be. "He's trying. Like my father gave me freedom, I'm giving him freedom. Whatever he wants to be in life, he has to give his best" said Tendulkar when questioned about his son's growth in the game.
When asked about the peer pressure on Arjun as Sachin's son the maestro replied "Those things are there but his focus should be on the game and on his passion. That is what as a parent I would want. Comparisons would happen; if they want to do it, they will. But what I've learned from my father is that whatever work you've gone to do, keep your focus on that. Rest of the things will continue to happen. Ups and downs are part and parcel of life. That'll happen as long as you stay passionate. Then you will be in a position to overcome those obstacles. You'll push yourselves. And I've tried to do that. My experience was really good, the way my father gave me freedom, responsibility came alongside that freedom. So that is what I am trying to do".
He concluded his interaction saying " No, he should be "Arjun". He should be Arjun. There shouldn't be any comparison".
