SACHIIIIIIN SACHIN

20 years back to this date on 15th November 1989, a young kid from Mumbai made his test debut against Pakistan in Karachi's National Stadium.A India-Pakistan series that too in Pakistan was not for the weak hearted. That along with the prospect of facing Wasim Akram, Waqar Younus of prime and a crafty/willy Imran Khan was what nightmares were made of.  His first test innings of 15 runs made him rethink as to his future in the team and future of playing for India. In the second test he made a  half-century. Sanjay Manjrekar had scored a century in that match. But i still remember people and tabloids talking more of that boy than Sanjay. That boy was Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

How privileged have we been to watch this GOD's gift to mankind.That viewers watching the first series itself would have realised the class stamped by this genius on the game. I was one of the many privileged to watch that first series. Those2 consecutive sixes in consecutive overs to Abdu Qadir.The cover drive four immediately on the next ball after being hit on the nose. I watched it all. Sometimes you wonder if your life has been fulfilling. But then you think of being in the same era as Sachin, remember his innings during these 20 years and you say, "well here's something i can talk to my grandchildren about". Would i have liked to be born in any other era? No way.

You just have to take a trip down the memory lane to find out those moment he has given us to enjoy and cherish. Be it the last over victory in a semi-final match at Eden Gardens, when he voluntarily opted to bowl the last over when 4 odd runs were required and got India to victory. Or be it the World Cup match in South Africa against Pakistan where he single handedly ensured that India doesn't lose the match most important for all the Indians.Or be it the recent 175 runs against Australia while chasing 350, let down only by the rest of the time. Or let it be the Chennai test against Pakistan which he almost single handedly won despite his injuries. Or of course the Sharjah Storm

Over the years Sachin has given a lesson to all as to how to conduct one self on the field as well as off the field. The greatness of this person lies in the fact that he has been able to keep himself level headed during all these years. Despite of so many accusations that he has not been able to finish a game, he has maintained a composed silence. It would have been very easy to say that cricket is a team game and all have to chip in, but he has maintained his dignity even in those circumstances.

All I can say is Thank You Sachin for all that you have given us. May you and all of us continue to enjoy the game watching you.

Sachiiiiiiin Sachin.