SCG is my favourite ground outside India: Tendulkar

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has termed the SCG as his 'favourite ground' outside India and hoped to continue his love affair with the stadium in the second Test against Australia, starting January 3.

Tendulkar averages a staggering 221 with two centuries and a double century from just four Tests at the SCG, with the highest score of unbeaten 241.

"The SCG has obviously been my favourite ground away from India," Tendulkar said.

"It's a terrific ground, a special place. I love the atmosphere. It's wonderful. There are these certain grounds where you walk out there feeling you're going to do well and the SCG is one of those grounds where I feel comfortable,"

Of the 59 venues where Tendulkar has played Test cricket in his illustrious 22-year-old career, the batting ace has only averaged better at Dhaka and Mirpur in Bangladesh.

SCG has always had a special place in Tendulkar's career but it remains to be seen whether he can achieve the elusive 100th international century at his favourite overseas ground, which probably would be his last Test in Sydney.

And with a combination of Tendulkar's date with history, Australia's win in Melbourne and fine weather forcast for the second Test, the SCG Trust and Cricket New South Wales are also hoping to lift the ticket sales for the next match of the series.

Till date a modest 14,600 tickets have been sold for day one, 8,500 for day two, almost 7,000 for day three and 1,600 for day four.

And Cricket NSW chief executive Dave Gilbert had described the figures as disappointing.

"With Tendulkar chasing his 100th hundred and given his record at the SCG we hope that translates into a big walk-up," Gilbert said.

"The attendance in Melbourne was a record so the interest is certainly there this week. It's been a late start to the international season given Australia was in South Africa but we're confident sales will pick up."

Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara toughest to bowl at, says Brett Lee

Australian speedster Brett Lee in his 12-year-international career found Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara as two of the batsmen of his era whom he found difficult to bowl to.

"Sachin and Lara were the two," Lee said during an interview to a sports channel when asked about those batsmen he found toughest to bowl to.

Lee, who is considered as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game also stated that he wished he would have had a chance to share the new ball with legendary Dennis Lillee.

"I would have loved to bowl in tandem with the great Dennis Lillee. He had great action, great aggression, had every single ball and is a top fellow," Lee was quoted as saying during the interview.

The bowler also recalled his enjoyable battle with Lara during Australia's visit to the Caribbean in 2003, terming the contest as one of his favourites.

"The spell I bowled to Brain Lara (Port of Spain, 2003), was one of my favourites. Even though I couldn't get him out, I kept him on strike and the (ball) Kookaburra was going past his nose, his feet completely off the ground above the stumps and all the crowd in West Indies going like...it was a great fun," Lee recollected.

Asked which was his favourite bouncer, Lee replied, the one which could get a Tendulkar caught in the slips.

"The one which gets batsman out playing a pull shot or may be get Sachin out in the slips," said the speedster.

The pacer added that he would have loved to bowl at the great Viv Richards, considering the fearless attitude he posed towards the best in the business.

"The way he (Viv Richards) walked out, no helmet, just playing the pull shot and had that physical presence like 'Come on, if you bounce me, you will be fetching it from 15 rows back," he said.

Sachin's fifth Test tour to Australia

Sachin Tendulkar will embark on his fifth Test tour of Australia today, something that not many would have imagined four years ago. Remember the rousing ovation he got at the Adelaide Oval in 2008, the crowd presuming it was his last Test on Australian soil.

Renowned writer Mike Coward even penned a sentimental piece on his potential farewell. “It is only right that Sachin Tendulkar should play his last Test match in Australia at Adelaide Oval for he has a very special affinity with this city of churches and Chappells and festivals.

“For this was Don Bradman’s hometown for 66 years and in 1998 India’s little master came here especially to pay homage to the game’s greatest batsman on his 90th birthday. “He will be 35 on April 24 (2008) and India is not scheduled to return here for Test matches before 2011-12,” he wrote prior to the Adelaide Test. And yet Tendulkar returns to his beloved country for a fifth time, the first Indian to do so.

Romance begins…

Ever since his first tour Down Under as an 18-year-old, Tendulkar has left Australians smitten with his strokeplay. The love affair began when he became the youngest to score a Test century in Australia on his first tour — an unbeaten 148 at Sydney. After his exquisite Perth ton later on that tour, Merv Hughes cracked open a beer, turned to his captain, Allan Border and said: “This little prick’s going to get more runs than you, AB.” Border had 9,532 Test runs at the time — the second highest in the history of the game after Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. Hughes was on the button.

“I was there to witness those hundreds at Sydney and Perth in 1991-92. I was amazed how he adapted to those conditions so quickly, considering his age. The Perth hundred is still the best I’ve ever seen. There was prolonged bounce after the third day – a lot of cracks on the wicket. You could literally put a finger inside the crack. When the seam landed on the crack, the ball went wherever it pleased.

It was difficult to anticipate anything. This teenager walked in and showed everyone how to bat,” said Dilip Vengsarkar, who previously held the Indian record for four Australia tours (1977-78, 1980-81, 1985-86 and 1991-1992). Vengsarkar was also part of the Indian team that won the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia.

“He’s done well everywhere in the world. But there’s something about Australia. He likes the ball coming on to the bat. He enjoys those conditions like anything,” he added.

‘The Best’ in Oz

Indeed, he does. In 16 Tests there, he has 1,522 runs at 58.53. Even Sir Vivian Richards (47.56), Brian Lara (41.97) and David Gower (44.48), who played a lot more Tests in Australia, didn’t match Tendulkar’s feats. In fact, Wally Hammond, Herbert Sutcliffe and VVS Laxman are the only visiting batsmen besides Tendulkar to average in excess of 50 in Australia (minimum qualification: 1,000 Test runs).

In his autobiography ‘Standing My Ground’, Matthew Hayden wrote that Australians were so much in love with Tendulkar that a special version of his 1998 blade was manufactured at a Brisbane factory. Irrefutably, Tendulkar is an icon in Australia.

In 2003-04, Tendulkar went through the leanest patch of his career. But the double century at SCG that summer was his way to reaffirm his love for Australia, a knock that many felt redeemed his career. “Tendulkar was having a quiet series, with just one 50. Before the Sydney Test, we talked about his batting, which didn’t happen very often as he knew his own game inside out.

In Sydney, he decided he was going to keep it very tight; he wouldn’t play through cover or square off the front foot because that was where he’d been getting out. Having formulated a plan, he went out and executed it, making 241 not out, his highest Test score (at the time), of which only 53 came on the off side. The word gets done to death, but this was an awesome display of technique and discipline. A month later his wife Anjali (Tendulkar’s wife), who’d listen in our conversation, got in touch to say thanks for the chat in Sydney,” former India coach John Wright wrote in ‘Indian Summers’.

The Tendulkar-Australian love affair reached its pinnacle on the last tour. The boy was too young in 1992 and in 2008 doubts lingered that the man may be too old; it didn’t matter to the man and like the boy he also reached Perth having made runs in Sydney — this time a 154 not out. Tendulkar made an audacious 71 before falling to an unlucky lbw decision. He finished with 493 runs at 70.42; his best ever return from any series.

Six appearance
The below players have made six Test trips to Australia

Johnny Briggs (England)
1884-85, 1886-87, 1887-88, 1891-92, 1894-95, 1897-98
Total: 21 Tests

Colin Cowdrey (England)
1954-55, 1958-59, 1962-63, 1965-66, 1970-71, 1974-75
Total: 27 Tests

Bob Willis (England)
1970-71, 1974-75, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1982-83
Total: 24 Tests

Daniel Vettori (NZ)
1997-98, 2001-02, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2011-12
Total: 12 Tests

A "Late Cut" from sir changed my life, recollects Tendulkar

Each and every teacher in this world would aspire to have a student like Sachin Tendulkar but in iconic batsman's own words, it was a "late cut" (a tight slap) from his beloved "sir" Ramakant Achrekar after missing a match, that made him realise the importance of hard work.

On Saturday, Tendulkar along with another 100 students of Sharadashram Vidyamandir celebrated their beloved guru's 79th birthday at the Bandra Kurla Complex.

Obviously, the centre of attraction at the reunion was none other than Tendulkar as Achrekar's students fondly recollected the old days.

As he took a trip down the memory lane, it become an emotional journey not only for Tendulkar but also for former India players like Ajit Agarkar, Praveen Amre, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Paras Mhambrey, Chandrakant Pandit, Sameer Dighe to name a few.

"After finishing school, I used to hurry to my aunt's place for lunch and by that time, sir used to organise some matches for me. He used to tell the opposition teams, that I would be batting at No. 4.

"On one such day, instead of playing in the match, I along with a friend, went to the Wankhede stadium to watch the Shardashram English-medium boys take on the Shardashram Marathi-medium boys in the Harris Shield final and cheer our team," Tendulkar fondly recollected.

"There, we spotted sir and went to greet him. He knew that I had missed the match, but still asked me how did I perform in it. I told him that, I thought that I would skip the match in order to cheer for our team. I got a late-cut (tight slap) on my face as well. The tiffin box in my hand flew and all its contents spread across," he said.

"At that time, sir told me 'You don't have to be here to cheer for others. Play in such a way that others cheer for you'. Since that day, I began practising very hard and put in a lot of hours. If not for that day, I might have been cheering others from the stands," he said.

On a night, when all of Achrekar's wards narrated with pride the stories of how they got slapped by their 'guru', the world's most worshipped cricketer credited Achrekar for his capacity to run for long hours without tiring.

"When I was batting, sir never asked me to do the rounds (running across Shivaji Park)," the maestro said.

"However, at the end of my training session, when I was completely exhausted, he used to make me run in full gear, along with the bat and pads. It was only later, that I realised how much this helped me," Tendulkar said.

Someone who rarely displays his emotional side, Tendulkar said, "I don't know how much cricket is still left in me. However, whatever I have achieved so far is all due to Achrekar sir."

Tendulkar also recalled another anecdote involving him and buddy Vinod Kambli, when the left-hander was slapped by Achrekar for flying a kite, while fielding during a match.

"Vinod was flying a kite while on the field. I warned him saying that sir might watch him. But he said he had scanned the entire place and was confident, sir was not there.

"At the end of the day, we generally read a note that summarised the day. On that day, it was my turn to read it. Sir was standing next to me and Vinod, I think, was standing next to sir. And as I read the list, there was an entry 'Vinod-kite'.

And then it was Kambli's turn to get a tight one from Achrekar.

"And at the next instant, he got slapped. Later, Kambli and I were arguing as to how sir could have seen it. Actually, I had seen sir watching him from behind a tree, but I didn't tell him," he added.

Tendulkar informed that the idea to give Achrekar a "surprise" by organising the reunion of the Shardashram Old Boys came during a conversation with former Mumbai cricketer and a close Tendulkar friend Atul Ranade.

Several other cricketers, too, recounted heart-warming tales of how Achrekar and his family had made an important contribution in shaping up their lives.

Sandhu, a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team recalled that it was Achrekar, who had advised him to develop his inswinger, when he started as an off-spinner during his younger days.

"I was an off-spinner but sir advised me develop my inswinger. He had an eye for talent," he said.

Sandhu also narrated an incident, when he was spared of Achrekar's slap for shirking doing rounds, which changed his way of looking at cricket.

"Without saying much, he told me that I was talented and had a responsibility to fulfill. My perspective towards cricket changed from that day," he added.

Former India stumper and Mumbai captain Pandit remembered the day, when Achrekar came to his house at midnight to convince his reluctant father to let him join Shardashram.

"My father did not see a future for me playing cricket. His argument was that how could the game help me when all I had to do was to study and get a job. At this, sir took Rs 1,000 from his pocket, gave it to my father and said 'from tomorrow, your son is mine, I will pay his salary.' His faith in me made me confident that I had the talent to do well," Pandit said.

Another bright student of Achrekar, speedster Agarkar remembered as to how Achrekar came to his home on his motorcycle at 5 am just after the 1992 riots in Mumbai to take him for practice after assuring his worried mother.

"We did some training and I had breakfast at his place. But that incident made me realise the importance of discipline and determination," he said.

Veteran Mumbai batsman Amol Mazumdar recalled how slaps from Achrekar had made him learn to do 'namaste' in a proper way, treat the Shivaji Park ground as a temple, and never to say no for a match.

"Recently, I was doing a Level-I coaching course. During the coaching sessions, I could recollect that Achrekar sir had taught us everything being taught there through presentations. That being in the 70's and 80's. He was way ahead of his time as a coach," he said.

'Happy Birthday, Achrekar Sir': Tribute from Sachin to coach

Namaste Sir is how we always greeted Ramakant Achrekar Sir, who celebrates his 79th birthday today. However much I speak about Achrekar Sir, I feel it is not enough. I remember -- around 1985, when my brother Ajit took me to Sir, his initial reaction was that I was too young (12) and I could be brought to his nets after maybe six months or a year.

My brother had seen me play, so he requested Sir to observe me for a week. Ajit requested Sir to watch me from another place rather than from behind the net. Without me knowing, Sir kept an eye on me.

After a week, he agreed to include me in his summer camp and after a month-and-a-half he decided to change my school to Shardashram, where he was the coach. That is where my actual journey began. Things started looking different because I was part of Shardashram Vidyamandir and Sir was with me all the time.

There was a good understanding between Sir and my brother. They discussed me a lot and somehow found the right kind of direction for me going forward. Sir used to take me around town on his scooter to play matches. If I performed well, he would stop and treat me to bhel puri, paani puri or a vada pav. Sir's generosity was really amazing. If he found out that a player was not capable of paying his monthly coaching fees, he would never ever ask him to pay it. In fact, Sir would make it a point to pay for the boy's snack too.

He watched many games without anyone realising he was around. Hiding behind a tree, he would note down a few things and after the game he would invariably have a post-mortem where some boys were made to read out those points. You would then realise that Sir had watched the full game though we didn't see him throughout the day. He noted down every little thing, which he felt was important to convey to the team. Physically, one would not see him, but he would be there all the time. We got the message -- 'don't fool around' because Sir was always at some place that we didn't know of.

Fear Factor

As much as we loved him and joked around, we also feared him. Whenever he got angry, no one was spared. He would bring up certain things you had to be careful about and if you continued making those mistakes, he would never hesitate to tell it like it is. I have been slapped a couple of times by Sir for making certain mistakes in my game and those moments changed my life. We were convinced that every time Sir did something, he did it for our good.

We grasped every little thing he said. He instilled in us the importance of respecting the game. And if one turned over-smart even for a fleeting moment, the game would put him back in his place, he used to say. The game is bigger than any individual and the team always comes first, he stressed. These teachings have stuck with us throughout our sporting lives.

It has not been an easy life for Sir. He has endured personal tragedies and more recently, health problems. But Sir has dealt with adversity like a true sportsman. His character has come shining through in the ebb and flow of life.

Sir has always been mentally, as well as physically strong. He never lost his passion for the game. Despite a severe stroke, he always made an attempt to walk on his own to Shivaji Park to watch a cricket match or attend a practice session. I am not surprised at all that Sir has been able to do all this. He's a tough man.
Whenever we meet, I do most of the talking. We always go back to old stories. Some time is spent on the current scenario -- cricketing trends, and types of players, or merely on my next series. But in the main, our conversation revolves around the old days. I like making that customary visit to him before an important match or series.

My great moment

Recently, he visited my new home and it was a great moment for me. I always wanted him to come over. Taking him around the house gave me immense pleasure and satisfaction. Many, many years ago, he graced my Sahitya Sahawas home in Bandra East while I was still in school. I was delighted, but getting him to visit our home was not easy. I remember him saying then, 'invite me when you score runs, otherwise I am not coming to your house.' So, as soon as I scored my first hundred at the school level, I invited him over.

It is an incredible feeling to be in town to wish him on his birthday. We, his students, are all delighted to be able to appreciate what he has done for all of us. When we used to land up at the nets on our birthday, there was no special treatment for the birthday boy. In fact, in a funny way, we were made to work harder. After a couple of net sessions Sir would give us some money to have a vada pav. Not only on our birthdays, but on other days as well. Indeed, today is a special day for Sir and us. He has played a great innings and may he go on.

Weavers have a 100 Sachin in a bedsheet

Who would not want to be with Sachin Tendulkar? Now, handloom weavers in Erode district (in Tamil Nadu) have made it possible to get personal with Sachin. They have weaved in 100 images of a young Sachin taking stance on to a single bedsheet, in anticipation of the maestro reaching a century of international hundreds.

K Appusamy, a weaver from Chennimalai in Erode district, says they have in the past produced bedsheets that showcased images of national leaders. Sachin, of course, is special. "At the end of day 3 of the Mumbai test, Sachin was on 67. Then I hoped he would hit a ton and ordered my unit to come out with the bedsheet. But he got out on 94. I was disappointed but I am sure he would hit the ton eventually," Appusamy said.

The Chennimalai Weavers Cooperative Production and Sales Society that Appusamy heads is world famous for its textile products. They export garments to many African countries including Ghana and Nigeria. "Through Co-optex we have also exported to European countries including Germany and Italy," says Appusamy.

"I chose Sachin because he has won India a lot of accolades in the world arena. In his chosen field he has lasted 20 years, which is a lot. He has also hit a double century in one-day internationals. We had made our first Sachin bedsheet then. This is our second one," he said.

Other leaders to have features in Chennimalai bedsheets are Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, APJ Abdul Kalam.

Betting on Tendulkar's 100th ton crosses Rs 2 bn mark

Gamblers have betted over Rs 2 billion over Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar becoming the first batsman to score an unprecedented 100 international centuries, punters have revealed.

The landmark has been tensely anticipated since the 38-year-old notched two centuries during the 50-over World Cup earlier this year to reach a total of 99.

“The money for Tendulkar scoring a century in Mumbai crossed the two billion rupees mark,” a punter told Gulf News.

Another punter said: “Betting reaches its peak when majority agrees on a poll. I’m sure those who betted on Tendulkar not reaching his century must be very rich today.”

During the Mumbai Test against the West Indies, a television poll resulted in 71 per cent predicting Tendulkar’s century.

Tendulkar was caught in the first innings at second slip for 94 -- six runs short of the landmark in the morning session on Friday.

Sachin's 'Nervous' 90 syndrome

The wait is not yet over, as Sachin disappointed cricket buffs around the globe by failing to record his 100th ton falling by 6 runs on Day 4 of the third test at Wankhede. This is not the first time, Sachin has got out after reaching 90.

Its quite common with cricketers as they become cautious and experience pressure while on 90, Sachin has the record for being dismissed maximum times after reaching 90 odd runs. Thats also a record and the man possess that too.

Sachin's overall tally of 28 dismissals in 90s includes both the formats of the game. In the limited-overs format, Sachin has been dismissed 18 times after reaching 90s while he has missed out on scoring a century 10 times in Test cricket.

After scoring the 99th century, when people were eagerly waiting for his 100th ton, a historic moment, Sachin has been dismissed twice after scoring 90 odd runs.

While this is not only for Sachin, Rahul Dravid too has faced similar problems as he has been dismissed 10 times in Test Cricket after scoring 90 odd runs while Steve Waugh too jointly holds the record for the same. With the recent dismissal of Sachin, against West Indies, he equals Rahul Dravid and Steve Waugh's record for highest number of dismissals after reaching 90 runs in test cricket.

Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid has recorded the same 14 times including ODIs while Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting both are on 13 while Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has recorded 12 dismissals.

With the number of dismissals after scoring 90 odd runs reaching 28, Sachin seems to have some problems while he is on the verge of scoring a century. Probably thats the nervous 90 phenomenon that he has been witnessing for quite sometime now, as he becomes restless, very cautious taking more time to score runs. Changes to defensive mode and takes singles and doubles than scoring boundaries or going for big hits.

Tendency to play safe, amounts to the pressure while his record suggests that as pressure builds, there are chances of throwing away the wicket or getting out for an untimely shot. These are bound to happen whether we take it as a nervous 90 syndrome or consider it as unlucky, the fact is being vulnerable after reaching a particular score.

Here's a list of Sachin's 90s.
90s in Tests

94 Vs West Indies, Mumbai (Nov 2011)
91 Vs England, The Oval (August 2011)
98 Vs Australia, Mohali (2010)
97 Vs South Africa, Mumbai (2000)
96 Vs Sri Lanka, Bangalore (1994)
94 Vs Pakistan, Mohali (2005)
92 Vs West Indies, Barbados (1997)
92 Vs England, Trent Bridge (1994)
91 Vs England, Trent Bridge (2007)
90 Vs England, Bangalore (2001)

90s in ODIs

90 Vs Australia, Mumbai (Feb 27, 1996)
91 Vs Australia, Brisbane (Mar 4, 2008)
91 Vs England, Sharjah (Dec 11, 1997)
99 Vs England, Brisbane (Aug 24, 2007)
94 Vs England, The Oval (Sep 5, 2007)
95 Vs Pakistan, Dhaka (Jan 14, 1998)
93 Vs Pakistan, Hobart (Jan 21, 2000)
98 Vs Pakistan, Centurion (Mar 1, 2003)
95 Vs Pakistan, Lahore (Feb 13, 2006)
99 Vs Pakistan, Mohlai (Nov 15, 2007)
97 Vs Pakistan, Gwalior (Nov 2007)
93 Vs South Africa, Nagpur (Mar 19, 2000)
99 Vs South Africa, Belfast (Jun 26, 2007)
93 Vs South Africa, Belfast (Jun 29, 2007)
93 Vs Srilanka, Dhaka ( Jun 1, 2000)
97 Vs Srilanka, Johannesburg (Mar 10, 2003)
93 vs Srilanka, Nagpur (Oct 25, 2005)
96 Vs Srilanka, Cuttack (Dec 21, 2009)

With 28 dismissals on reaching 90 odd runs, this happens to be the only weakness that can be spotted in the career spanning 22 years. Sachin with loads of experience, people wonder why the master is struggling to convert such valuable 90s to a fine century. Hope prevails as Sachin will get rid of this nervous 90 phenomenon soon and reach the milestone as early as possible.

Tendulkar is a pocket rocket, says Cummins

Describing Sachin Tendulkar a "pocket rocket", Australia's new pace sensation Pat Cummins is excited at the prospect of "versing" the "rockstar".

The 18-year-old, who made a sensational Test debut by taking seven wickets to set up a thrilling series-levelling win for Australia against South Africa earlier this month, is looking forward to bowl against Tendulkar in the Test series next month.


The 38-year-old Tendulkar made his Test debut three-and-a-half years before Cummins was even born.

"He's one of the greats of all time, I've grown up watching him," Cummins told 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.

"For someone who is a bit of a pocket rocket, he's not too tall, even against the fastest bowlers he seems to stand up and lift another gear.

"To get a game, even here in Australia, would be unbelievable. To be versing the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid - it's going to be a massive challenge. He's someone hopefully all the bowlers don't get too overawed versing him and I guess you've got to still imagine him like any other batsmen," he added.

India and Australia will square off in a much-anticipated Test series starting December 26. Cummins said he would not "waste time" chalking out a bowling strategy for Tendulkar as the Indian is "too good everywhere".

"It's more imagining the moment of playing people like him, it'd be a massive thrill," Cummins said.

"Sachin Tendulkar has got a massive following in India and is a rockstar over there. Someone like him, all the fame, it'd be on a whole new different level versing him," he added.

Sachin Tendulkar fever returns to Wankhede Stadium

Sachin Tendulkar returns to his home venue for the final Test against the West Indies starting on Tuesday amid the familiar pressure of expectation of hitting another century.

A century at the Wankhede Stadium this time around would be extra special because it would be his 100th international ton, which Tendulkar has been chasing since the World Cup earlier this year.

Tendulkar moved from 97 to 99 centuries during the World Cup in February and March but has been unable to get another three-figure mark since, with a score of 91 against England in the Oval Test in the summer coming the closest.

But Tendulkar, who is the highest run-scorer and century-maker in both Tests and one-dayers, has dismissed the landmark as "just another number."

"When I got my 90th international century, nobody said anything," Tendulkar was quoted as saying by a newspaper on Saturday. "Even before my 99th century, nobody said anything. So why now? I don't understand."

Tendulkar, who completed 22 years in international cricket last week, said he knew people were getting impatient.

"I know everyone is talking and thinking about my 100th century. I want to be relaxed and let cricket decide its own course. I am not rushing into anything, just concentrating on my normal game," he said.

But the Mumbai Cricket Association has decided to make it a special occasion by announcing it will present Tendulkar with 100 gold coins if he gets to the unprecedented landmark this week.

The state association has also lowered the price of tickets, which start at $1 per day, in a bid to get spectators to the ground after dwindling attendances in recent games across India.

Tendulkar potential landmark is a popular talking point in India and players from all sides are regularly asked for comment.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy suggested on Monday that he would rather watch Tendulkar get the ton after this series.

"Much as I would like him to get a century, I would like to see him do it against some other team on television," he said. "I will be the first to jump up in joy when he gets there if it is not against us."

Senior India batsman VVS Laxman said the way Tendulkar prepares for every game sets him apart.

"His preparation is special in each and every match," Laxman said Monday. "That has been the hallmark of Sachin and why he has done well for so many years."

Laxman said Tendulkar's approach always remains the same.

"He takes every practice session seriously, irrespective of whether he is reaching a milestone or not, to make sure he is ready, mentally and physically. He has survived for so long and has been a true match winner for the country," he said.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni declined to speculate and said plans for the celebration of Tendulkar's 100th century will firm up only after Tendulkar reaches the landmark.

"Let him get to the century and then we will decide how to celebrate it," Dhoni said at the beginning of the series against West Indies.

Tendulkar's top score in the series has been a knock of 76 in the first Test in New Delhi, which India won by five wickets.

Sachin Tendulkar will get 100 gold coins if he scores 100th century in Mumbai

Sachin Tendulkar will be honoured with 100 gold coins, if he gets a 100th century at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

“MCA President Vilasrao Deshmukh has decided that the association should give Tendulkar a 100 gold coins if he completed the 100th international century at his home ground,” Nitin Dalal, Joint Secretary of MCA Mumbai Cricket Association, said on Saturday.

For the currency-inclined, the net worth of 100 gold coins is estimated to be around Rs 28 lakh.

The Cricket Association of Bengal had promised to give the champion batsman 100 gold coins if he achieved the unprecedented feat in the second Test at the Eden Gardens, which concluded on November 17, Dalal pointed out.

However, Tendulkar could not reach the coveted landmark in Kolkata and has the chance to achieve it in his home town here in Mumbai.

His last international hundred was made during the World Cup held between February and April this year, against South Africa at Nagpur on March 12.

The third and final Test match between India and West Indies will be commencing on November 22 at the Wankhede stadium. India has an unbeatable 2-0 lead against West Indies.

Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar has already promised to donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international century to the proposed cricket museum at the Eden Gardens, a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official claimed on Thursday.

“Sachin has told us that he would donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international hundred to the cricket museum,” CAB joint secretary Biswarup Dey told media persons here.

Tendulkar, who missed out on the milestone by 26, runs in the second innings of the opening Test in Delhi said “I am not thinking about that. I feel it (100 hundreds) is just a number. I am thinking about playing good cricket. I am enjoying my game.”

100th ton "just a number" for Sachin Tendulkar

Indian star Sachin Tendulkar says he is not weighed down by expectations over his 100th century as he headed home to Mumbai for next week's final Test against the West Indies.

As millions of fans wait for him to become the first batsman in history to score a century of international hundreds, the 38-year-old appeared unruffled by the hype around the landmark.

"I feel it is just a number," the most successful batsman in both Test and one-day cricket, told on Friday.

"I am not thinking about it. I am thinking about playing good cricket. I am enjoying my game."

Fans hope he will attain the feat on his home ground at the Wankhede stadium when the Test starts on Tuesday, but Tendulkar said he could not understand what the fuss was all about.

"When I got my 90th international century, nobody said anything," he told the paper. "Even before my 99th century, nobody said anything. So why now? I don't understand.

"I know everyone is talking and thinking about my 100th century. I want to be relaxed and let cricket decide its own course. I am not rushing into anything, just concentrating my normal game."

Tendulkar has now gone four one-day internationals and six Tests without a century since slamming his 99th ton during a World Cup match against South Africa in Nagpur in March.

He came close to the milestone thrice when he scored 85 in the World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, 91 in the Oval Test against England in August and 76 in the first Test of the ongoing series against the West Indies in New Delhi.

Tendulkar said he was more excited about completing 22 years at the top level since his international debut in a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989.

"It's a wonderful feeling," "It gives me immense pleasure and terrific satisfaction that I've been able to serve my country for such a long time."

Tendulkar has scored 15,086 runs in 183 Tests with 51 centuries, and 18,111 runs in 453 one-day internationals with 48 hundreds.

Sachin Tendulkar can hit his 100th ton anytime, feels Suresh Raina

India’s aggressive batsman, Suresh Raina, has played down the hype of Sachin Tendulkar’s much-anticipated 100th International century, and said that the Master Blaster is well capable of hitting his elusive ton anytime.

In his interview, Raina disclosed that Tendulkar is not bothered about his historic ton, as the Little Master just concentrates on his game, not records.

“I feel that the best thing about Sachin is that he enjoys the success of others. That makes him all the more special for all of us,” said Raina who is not a part of India’s Test side currently engaged in the three-match series against West Indies.

The baby faced cricketer also lauded senior players such as,Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Tendulkar for their support and help for the newcomers.

After 100th ton, Sachin Tendulkar to donate bat to Eden Gardens

Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar has promised to donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international century to the proposed cricket museum at the Eden Gardens, a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official claimed Thursday.

"Sachin has told us that he would donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international hundred to the cricket museum," CAB joint secretary Biswarup Dey told mediapersons here.

Tendulkar also donated his gloves and a national team jersey after the Mahendra Singh Dhoni led side defeated the West Indies at the Eden Gardens Thursday to record India's 75th Test win on home soil.

Dhoni also gifted the CAB the bat with which he struck a hundred in the second Test that ended here in a thumping innings and 15 run win for India.

Keeping in mind the milestone of the 75th win, the CAB had requested the Indian team to donate some memorabilia like their cricketing gear.

The equipment will be displayed in the "India's 75th Test win at Home" sectionof the museum.

Sachin Tendulkar becomes the highest run-scorer in the fourth innings of Tests

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar keeps scoring runs at a pace wherein it looks like the record books are running out of pages listing the ones created by the master blaster.

The ‘run machine’ has not yet reached the much-awaited milestone of 100 international centuries, a territory no other cricketer has not yet conquered. But he treated the spectators with yet another feather on his cap by becoming the highest run-getter in fourth innings of Test matches. He went past Rahul Dravid's tally of 1507 runs during the first Test against West Indies recently at an average of 39.86.

The wait for the 100th century stretches back to the World Cup in April, but Sachin fell short of the feat once again by making 76 in the second innings of the Kotla Test. Meanwhile, he completed 15000 runs in Test cricket.

Sachin has scored 51 centuries in Tests and 48 in one-dayers.

Also, he created a record for aggregating most runs in the fourth innings in Tests at an average of 39.86, going past Rahul Dravid's tally of 1507 runs during the first Test against West Indies recently.

Other active members on the list include Rahul Dravid, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith. Tendulkar also became the highest run-getter at the Feroz Shah Kotla, going past Dilip Vengsarkar.

Sachin Tendulkar hits 15,000 Test runs

Sachin Tendulkar of India on Tuesday became the first batsman in history to score 15,000 Test runs.

Tendulkar, 38, achieved the feat when he reached 28 on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi.

Tendulkar was unbeaten on 33 and Rahul Dravid was on 30 as India - set a victory target of 276 - reached 152-2 by stumps.

The Mumbai batsman, playing his 182nd Test match, already holds the world record for most runs and centuries in both Test and one-day cricket.

Tendulkar needs one more three-figure knock to become the first batsman to score 100 international hundreds. He has 51 Test and 48 one-day centuries so far.

Dravid is second in the Test scorers list with 12,859 runs, ahead of Ricky Ponting of Australia (12,487) and West Indian Brian Lara (11,953).

Top run-getters in Test cricket (minimum 10,000 runs)

1. 15,005 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND)

2. 12,859 - Rahul Dravid (IND)

3. 12,487 - Ricky Ponting (AUS)

4. 11,953 - Brian Lara (WIS)

5. 11,947 - Jacques Kallis (RSA)

6. 11,174 - Allan Border (AUS)

7. 10,927 - Steve Waugh (AUS)

8. 10,122 - Sunil Gavaskar (IND)

Sachin Tendulkar waves chequered flag at Indian GP

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, a self-confessed Formula One fan, waved the chequered flag at the end of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which newly-crowned world champion Sebastian Vettel won at the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday.

Tendulkar, who witnessed the race along with wife Anjali and daughter Sara, did the honours at the end of the race.

Starting from the pole position, Red Bull's Vettel dominated the proceedings and scorched his way to victory with a timing of 1.27:249.

McLaren Mercedes' Jenson Button (1.27:967s) came second while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (1.28:298) completed the podium standings.

Tendulkar's long-time friend and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, with whom the Indian batsman met before the start of the race, finished fifth.

Force India's Adrian Sutil managed to secure points, finishing ninth after starting from the eighth position on the grid, while his teammate Paul di Resta was 13th.

The lone Indian driver in the fray, Narain Karthikeyan of Hispania finished 17th after starting from the rear of the grid.

Earlier, batting maestro Sachin showed his passion for motorsports by being the first of the high-profile guests to arrive at the circuit in Greater Noida.

"His love for motorsports is well known and I was not surprised to see him three hours before the race time. I went to the gate to welcome him," Sameer Gaur, managing director of Jaypee Sports International, told IANS.

Tendulkar spent a lot of time at the paddocks before going to the VIP lounge area. His meeting with Schumacher was widely anticipated and that was one of the first things he did after arriving.

Tendulkar went to the Mercedes GP team garage and chatted extensively with Schumacher and fellow driver Nico Rosberg. He also introduced his wife Anjali and daughter Sara to Schumacher.

It was Tendulkar's second meeting with seven-time champion Schumacher after 2002, when the German gifted the Indian the keys of a Ferrari.

The Mumbaikar then went ahead to meet F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in the Formula One Management team building where they were joined by Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover and legendary three-time former champion Jackie Stewart.

Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was the second cricketer to reach the venue.

Besides Tendulkar and Harbhajan, Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone were also spotted.

Jammu and Kasmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was spotted in the paddock for the second consecutive day. Robert Vadra was also seen chatting with the organisers.

Earlier in the day, 24 drivers took part in a vintage car rally and waved to the fans to kick off the celebrations.

Sachin Tendulkar arrives at Buddh circuit, meets Schumacher

A self-confessed Formula One fan, Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday met seven-time world champion and ‘dear friend’ Michael Schumacher at the Mercedes team building ahead of this afternoon’s inaugural Indian Grand Prix here.

Tendulkar, who is expected to flag off India’s maiden F1 race, arrived at the newly-constructed Buddh International Circuit with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. However, his son Arjun was absent.

The star Indian cricketer was received at the circuit by promoters of the race, Jaypee Sports International’s Managing Director Sameer Gaur.

Soon after arriving at the circuit, Tendulkar met F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone at the lounge area for a half hour interaction. The duo was later joined by legendary racing driver Jackie Stewart and Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover.

Tendulkar also obliged the waiting photographers along with Ecclestone, Gaur and Grover but refused to make any comments, saying, “I will talk to everyone later.”

The cricketing icon then headed straight to the Mercedes team building where he exchanged pleasantries with Mercedes team principal Ross brawn before meeting his long-time friend Schumacher.

Tendulkar also introduced his wife and daughter to the German driver and met the other Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg before heading to the VIP area.

Apart from Tendulkar, a host of other celebrities from the sporting world and Bollywood are also expected to attend the country’s maiden F1 race later this afternoon.

Cricketers who are expected during the race include India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, V.V.S. Laxman and England’s Kevin Pietersen. Tennis star Sania Mirza will also attend.

Bollywood will be represented by Shah Rukh Khan, Arjun Rampal, Hrithik Roshan, and Abhishek Bachchan among others.

Sachin Tendulkar invited for the inaugural Indian GP‎

Sachin Tendulkar is excited that the high-profile Formula One race is coming to the country with the inaugural Indian Grand Prix next week and said that he will support the Sahara Force India team.

Invited for the Indian GP by formula one boss Bernie Ecclestone, Sachin Tendulkar is mighty thrilled to witness yet another race day.

"I am excited about Indian Grand Prix F1 race. I will support the Force India team. I have friends like Michael Schumacher but I will support Force India because that is the Indian team and country comes first," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar, who is passionate about fast cars, has been invited by Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone himself to grace the Indian Grand Prix at Greater Noida on October 30.

"I was passionate about cars from a young age. As I grew up, my passion for fast cars has grown," he said.

On which car fascinated him as a child, he said "when I was young I saw these Fiat, Ambassador, at the most Contessa or Standard 2000. But my brother and others would discuss about Pala car."

"So, the car I love to drive was Pala,"

When Sachin Tendulkar was asked in 2004 about the possibility of India hosting a Formula One race in a few years' time, he said, "I hope that it happens because there are plenty of Formula One fans in India. It's a new sport that is picking up very quickly and the new generation is hooked".

Formula One has been one of Tendulkar's best-loved sports for a while, watching it since 2000. He is delighted for his country's sports-loving public that they now have an opportunity to witness the exhilaration which Formula One lends itself to. "What you see on television is far different from what one sees at the venue," said Tendulkar, who has been to quite a few races. "The noise and speed levels are 15 to 20 per cent greater that what one can imagine... it's great," he said.

He witnessed his first Grand Prix at Silverstone while he was on the 2002 tour to England and met German legend Michael Schumacher the evening before Race Day. In fact, it was Schumacher, who presented him with the keys of the Ferrari car, which is now owned by a businessman from Surat.

“The Making of a cricketer”

Sachin Tendulkar can unquestionably be called the 'face of modern cricket'. He follows Don Bradman and Viv Richards as his generation's most successful batsman. By the turn of the century, watching Tendulkar as India's lone warrior staging single-handed fights, - while carrying the hopes of a billion hearts, - was cricket's grandest spectacle. Tendulkar is undoubtedly India’s most loved and worshiped cricketer.
But behind every legend there is a guiding force which leads him to greatness. A support which saw him through tribulations. Someone who was responsible to show him/her the path to success.



In Sachin’s case it was his elder brother Ajit Tendulkar. The cricketer often credits his brother as the one who spotted his talent and encouraged him to pursue the sport. “Ajit has always been my guiding light in cricket. He was the one who spotted my natural ability and honed that. With his help and coaching I have developed into the cricketer that I am. I am still improving and it is still Ajit that I look to for that help," once quoted Sachin while talking about his brother.

Reportedly, the elder brother was interested in cricket himself and also played the sport during his student years. However, he left playing to mentor Sachin’s cricket career.
It is said that Ajit originally channelized Sachin’s attention to cricket to keep him away for mischief.

‘In the early 1980s, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, the Tendulkars - fans of Dev Anand— had gathered in front of the television to watch Guide. Sachin, eleven years old, saw it as a golden opportunity to raid a mango tree in front of the house with his five friends. A little later, on hearing a deafening crash, the Tendulkars rushed out and found that Sachin had fallen from one of the branches and hurt himself badly. Ajit Tendulkar, exasperated with Sachin’s mischievous ways, took him to a park the next morning and asked an elderly gentleman to take care of his “hyperactive” brother and teach him some cricket. The gentleman’s name was Ramakant Achrekar, and the venue, Shivaji Park. Unknown to Ajit, Ramakant and even Sachin, the meeting marked the beginning of the long and illustrious journey of, arguably, India’s greatest cricketer ever.’

It was elder brother Ajit who accompanied The Little Master on his cricketing tours during his formative years. He’s also helped Sachin look after his various endorsements and business interests.
Ajit has also written a book on Sachin’s cricket journey, titled “The Making of a cricketer”.
Even after all these years and all the success and accolades Sachin still discusses every aspect of the game with Ajit, who does not watch his matches.

"He does not watch my matches. I have been told by friends that he goes on a long drive alone, where there is no radio, there is nothing, and he comes back only after the match is over."
"Later, a recording is pulled out and then he and I discuss where improvements can be made in my batting and what mistakes I committed. All this discussion happens then. Because I speak to him every evening and on a daily basis we discuss what sort of preparation should be made for a match and what are the mistakes to be avoided, and this is a habit I have since school cricket and I still use this formula," revealed Sachin in a past interview.

We dedicate this win to Sachin Tendulkar: Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians' biggest impact player, said the team dedicated the Champions League T20 victory to master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who even without playing motivated the team with his sheer presence.

“Sachin Tendulkar has been part of the Mumbai Indians since its inception and the team hasn't managed to win any trophy since then. And now although we've won this one without him being on the field his sheer presence has motivated us all. His advice in the team meetings, listening to his experiences, all that was very vital. We dedicate this victory to Sachin.

The Caribbean all-rounder was pleased to win a trophy with the Mumbai-based team after ending as runners-up twice.

“Yes! finally. We reached the final in IPL 2010 and in the semi-final in the last IPL as well. It feels absolutely fantastic again to reach the final here and go the whole hog.

“What makes this even sweeter is the guys really pulled in their weight and came together. Especially the younger guys really went out there and showed tremendous character and we played as a team.

“The bowlers did a fantastic job for us right through the tournament whereas the batsmen didn't come to the party. But at the end of the day both batsmen and bowlers are a part of the team and the victory belongs to the team,” Pollard said.

Talking about his form in the tournament, Pollard said: “I was pretty inconsistent with the bat, although I did alright with the ball and in the field. There are a certain areas that I need to work on but since the team has won, I cannot complain about my own performance,” he concluded.

Sachin: Genius Unplugged

A new biography on India's iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was launched in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Entitled 'Sachin: Genius unplugged', the book is edited by Suresh Menon, columnist and author, who has known Tendulkar since he reported the player’s debut match in Pakistan.

The essays in the book are by writers who have been reporting and observing Tendulkar’s game, analysing his batting, placing him in context, criticising him over the years. It is a first draft of biography, with the advantage that it is not limited to a single point of view.

This extraordinary work is brought to the avid cricket lover in each of us by NMC and UAE Exchange, and is a tribute to one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen.

Tendulkar has made poets of prose writers even if occasionally his strokeplay has demonstrated the futility of conveying in words the brilliance of his batsmanship.

Sachin: Genius Unplugged, brings together writers and contemporaries whose perspectives on the player are unique. Their insights are strained through experience.

Like writers and artists, sportsmen are subject to revisionism, with fresh appraisals adding to the known portrait. A good place to start is the contemporary report.

Every writer has a personal story as well as a measured, professional one, and part of the joy of the book is to read the admission of veteran writers like Mike Coward on how the player figures in his bank accounts, for example.

Harsha Bhogle’s first interview with Sachin, Osman Samiuddin’s discussion with his mathematician father, Barney Ronay’s air-cricket, Peter Roebuck’s comparisons with Viv Richards, Mike Marqusee’s deeply felt personal essay, Gideon Haigh’s take on the commercial value of Tendulkar’s bodily fluids, and personal insights by Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Bishan Bedi, throw light on Tendulkar, on the writers, and on the art of sportswriting itself.

The foreword on the most successful batsman of all time is by the most successful bowler of all times, Muttiah Muralitharan.

It is a treat both for those who read cover-to-cover at one go and readers who love to dip in now and then, savouring the individual essays at leisure.

Sachin Tendulkar's new home

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and his family on Wednesday moved to their new house in Mumbai's Bandra area.

The star cricketer was spotted entering his five-storey mansion on Wednesday afternoon. Sources said that he was keen to shift to his new house during the Navratri festival.

Confirming the news Sachin said, "I have moved to new place. We are happy as a family to have moved to this place."

"Lemar apartment, where I used to stay was under sports quota. Many deserving sportsmen needed place to stay, so I decided to leave," he added.

The bungalow, built in Bandra West's Perry Cross Road area, was bought by Sachin for a whopping Rs 39 crore. While it might look like a triple-storey house from outside, the structure is actually spread across five floors as one-and-a-half floors are underground.

The new house

Sachin's mansion has been designed keeping the batting maestro's love for cars. The second basement of the house can hold 45-50 cars at a time.

The first basement comprises the kitchen, master surveillance room and servant quarters. These apart the house has three other floors where the master, who is just one short of his 100th international ton, will live along with his wife and kids.

The ground floor has a large drawing room with a separate dining space for the Tendulkars. Since Sachin is a devotee of Lord Ganesha, there is a temple on the ground floor. The floor also houses a special display area where Sachin's innumerable medals and trophies would be kept.

The first floor has been devoted to the kids, with separate rooms for his son Arjun and daughter Sara, while the top floor has been kept for Mr and Mrs Tendulkar.

The house has been made keeping the vastu elements in mind with special emphasis given to the kids' quarters.

The plushest part of the house, however, is a swimming pool located on the terrace.

Sachin Tendulkar wants change in ODI format

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has written a letter to International Cricket Council (ICC), suggesting future changes in the 50-50 format of the game.

In his letter ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat, Master Blaster has urged ICC to bring changes in the ODI format to keep the interest of the game intact.

Tendulkar wants that 50-over cricket should become a four innings game-- with 25 overs slots played alternately between the two sides.

Tendulkar feels that it will give equal opportunity to both the teams in case of due factor and rain. Sachin said that, in present format, Toss pays major role in deciding the result of the game. But in case of four innings game, it will give equal chance to both sides.

He further says, bowler should be allowed to bowl 12 overs each. He also wants fiddle with the Powerplays to give advantage to the fielding side.

With this letter, Tendulkar has stirred the ODI format row but it will be interesting to see whether ICC will accept his Idea or not.

Tendulkar is the maximum run getter in ODI games. He has the highest number of hundreds in ODI. He is the only cricketer in the world to score a double hundred in ODI. Tendulkar is the most capped player in ODIs.

No doubts that he has the tones of experience and his suggestion can be proved vital to add more spices in the game.

Straight drive is my favourite shot, says Tendulkar

Bowlers never like batsmen hitting them past their follow through and this is exactly what Indian veteran Sachin Tendulkar likes as his favourite stroke is the straight driven boundary.

"My favourite shot is the straight drive, opening up the face of the bat...no bowler likes to see the face of the bat," Tendulkar said in reply to a query by a cricket lover during a special programe on a news channel.

Answering questions ranging from why he failed to score in the recently-concluded England series to his shot selection, Tendulkar revealed how he avoids reading newspapers to cut out pressure.

"I can't do what millions of people have had to say as one should always focus on one's game as ultimately it is you who have to do it," he said replying to a query on how he handled pressure.

Tendulkar advised the kids avoid thinking about the past. "If you think of the past, you will tend to think of all negative things. If you think of the future you will worry whether you could score or not. What is important is to focus on the job at hand," said Tendulkar as he appealed to all to contribute in his " Support My School Campaign".

"We do 80 per cent positive things and only 20 per cent negative things in the past. Only negative things come to our mind, building up the pressure. Always think positive, sort out the mistakes (made in the past) and don't think of them anymore," Tendulkar said.

On why he could not score in the recently concluded India-England Test series, Tendulkar said the game should be seen in its totality.

"Sometimes a batsman gets out to a good ball or falls to a mistake," he said.

Sachin Tendulkar praise Rahul Dravid

Indian cricket greats, including star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, have richly praised Rahul Dravid as he prepares to play the final one-day game of his illustrious career.

"He has had a fabulous career as a one-day player and has contributed so much to Indian cricket," Tendulkar told a national daily on Friday. "I have no doubt that he is and will continue to be a role model for all of us."

Tendulkar said Dravid's natural game was not suited for the quick scoring of one-dayers, but had worked hard to improve and excelled in his "finishing role."

"He may not give you a quick start, but he will surely make his innings count in terms of time spent at the crease. You need such players in the team, and he was the best man for the job," he added.

"Rahul also had that ability to finish a game, and I remember he played the same role at No. 5, or for that matter at any other spot in the batting order. And that was one of the main reasons he sustained his role as an important member in the side."

Tendulkar also praised Dravid for adjusting according to the team's needs and helping the team gain depth in batting by agreeing to keep wickets.

"He is the perfect team man; when he was asked to keep wickets we all knew that he will do well because he was initially a wicketkeeper. It later helped him, and came as a big help to all of us in the Indian team during the 2003 World Cup."

Sachin Tendulkar - Rahul Dravid pair most successful in Tests

Most runs partnership in test cricket.

Most successful test pair in test cricket.

The duo surpassed the previous record of West Indies legendary pair of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes who have together shared 6482 runs in partnerships in test cricket

Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar put on 55 for the third wicket at The Oval (2011) to become test cricket's most prolific partnership

Tendulkar-Dravid have amassed 19 centuries in tandem, also the highest for any Test partnership.

After Sachin and Darvid here are the most successful pairs in Test

1. G Greenidge and D Haynes (WI) - 6482 runs
2. Matthew Hayden & Justin Langer (AUS) - 6081 runs
3. Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara (SL) - 5261 runs
4. Matthew Hayden & Ricky Ponting (AUS) - 4765 runs
5. Alistair Cook & Andrew Strauss (ENG) - 4635 runs
6. Marvan Atapattu & Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) - 4533 runs
7. Sourav Ganguly & Sachin Tendulkar (IND) - 4173 runs
8. Rahul Dravid & VVS Laxman (IND) - 3902 runs
9. Michael Slater & Mark Taylor (AUS) - 3887 runs

Tendulkar's ton of tons will come in ODIs: Ganguly

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has backed Sachin Tendulkar to complete his elusive hundredth international hundred in the forthcoming five-match ODI series against England.

Tendulkar was dismissed lbw by Tim Bresnan for 91 on the final day of the fourth Test on Monday. "His dismissal (by Bresnan) proved that cricket is a one-ball game. It doesn't matter how much you have your eye in, one good ball can get you out,"

Indeed! Tendulkar had concentrated for 235 minutes in India's pursuit to draw the Test: "I know the entire nation is disappointed. A century from his blade would have at least given some respite to them since it has been a forgettable tour."

Ganguly expressed confidence that Tendulkar will score heavily in the ODIs. "I am pretty confident that his hundred will come in the one-dayers. Let's not foget Tendulkar is only human after all. He has reached 99 hundreds, so obviously he will get to the 100 mark. I cannot stop being proud of him," said Ganguly, a close friend of the Little Master.

Ganguly got nostalgic while recalling his first meeting with Tendulkar. "When I went to England for the first time with Kailash Gattani's Star Cricket Club as a teenager, Sachin was part of that team too. I observed him and had no doubts that he would blossom into a great player. It's been an incredible journey," said Ganguly, before defending Tendulkar's performance in the four Tests (273 runs from 8 innings). "In fact, he has not had a bad Test series in England. He started batting well at Lord's itself. It's just one those series when things don't click," said Dada admitting he was fortunate to have seen Tendulkar's greatest efforts first hand. "According to me, his best knocks have been Perth (1991-92), Cape Town (1996-97), Chennai (1998-99 & 2008-09) and Headingley (2002). I was fortunate to witness them from close quarters. He still has some great knocks left in him," concluded Ganguly.

England PM David Cameron salutes Sachin Tendulkar, terms meeting with the legend as an honour

England Prime Minister, David Cameron, recently visited the Oval Cricket Stadium in order to enjoy the ongoing fourth Test between England and India.

Despite the fact that Cameron was extremely delighted over a fantastic performance by his side, his meeting with the legendary batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, doubled his joy.

Cameron ‘s meeting with the Master Blaster came as a result of PM’s special request, as he disclosed that he is huge of fan of Tendulkar.

After embracing the Little Master, Cameron expressed his delight and said that it is an honour to see Tendulkar, who has a number of International records under his belt.

“It’s an honour to have met with and spoken to (Sachin) Tendulkar... I’ve been his fan,” said Cameron.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that he is huge fan of cricket and has been following the ongoing series keenly.
Tendulkar was also grateful to the English Prime Minister and expressed gratitude for the given respect.

“The Prime Minister had just come to say hello... He said that I was welcome in the UK anytime,” shared the batting maestro who is just a hundred away from completing his ton of International centuries.

Tribute to Sachin Tendulkar: Coca-Cola to roll out 6.5 million 'Sachin' cans as part of 100th century celebrations

The world's largest beverages brand plans a grand tribute to Sachin Tendulkar who is one century short of becoming the first batsman to score 100 international centuries: launch some 6.5 million special Coca-Cola cans with pictures of the master batsman.

The move will help the cola giant make the most out of its Rs 12-15-crore endorsement deal with Tendulkar signed early this year, and make up for not leveraging the association during the Cricket World Cup that India won.

Coca-Cola is printing the cricketing legend's pictures along with statistics of his select 10 centuries on about 6.5 million cans of brand Coke to celebrate Tendulkar's hundredth international century which everyone expects in England, where India will play four tests and five one-day internationals starting July 21.

The cans will be rolled out in the market starting next fortnight. This is the first time a celebrity or a brand ambassador will figure on packs of any Coke beverage in India.

"We are making an exception for one of India's great legends," says Coca-Cola India VP (Marketing) Anupama Ahluwalia. In some European markets, Coca- Cola has, in the past, printed pictures of celebrities on its beverage packs. Tendulkar has handpicked nine of the 10 centuries that Coca-Cola cans will spot.

The tenth will be his hundredth century. Coca-Cola will release about eight lakh cans with the details of Tendulkar's 100th century whenever it comes. A mass media campaign is set to coincide with the cans rollout, created by ad agency McCann Erickson. Industry experts say the idea is big and has scale, but its strategic implementation would be a key for its success.

"A Sachin campaign could be a sure-shot winner, but how well the marketer leverages the campaign, makes a consumer connect, and takes it forward is the key," says Mahesh Chauhan, co-founder of advertising and marketing firm Salt Brand Solutions.

"But they (Coca- Cola) are probably a bit late in leveraging their association with Sachin, considering they signed him early in the year, though it must be part a planned strategy," he added, referring to the missed opportunity during India's successful world cup campaign.

Sachin, who is known to charge about a million dollars per year per deal, endorses close to 13-14 brands including sports footwear and apparel maker Adidas, luxury Swiss watch maker Audemars Piguet, insurance services firm Aviva Life Insurance, bank Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and appliances major Toshiba.


These brands too are looking to leverage their association with the cricketer once he cracks his 100th century.

Though firms do leverage associations with celebrities through packaging, this is the first time it is being done on a mass scale. PepsiCo, for example, had rolled out PET bottles with blue packaging with Indian team skipper MS Dhoni's body during the World Cup.

Tendulkar, Federer discuss cricket at Wimbledon

It takes lot to bowl over Sachin Tendulkar as bowlers around the world would confess but tennis ace Roger Federer managed to do it just by his knowledge of cricket when the two legends caught up during the Wimbledon.

Tendulkar, a self-confessed Federer fan, met the winner of 16 Grand Slams at the All England Club after the world number three beat David Nalbandian to advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon.

Tendulkar chatted for an hour with the Swiss and posed with him for the shutterbugs.

"Spent an hour with Roger Federer chatting on the balcony of Wimbledon Royal box. What a humble guy! And by the way he knows a lot about cricket!!" Tendulkar later tweeted.

The two reportedly also had dinner together after Federer's match.

Federer too talked about his meeting with Tendulkar on his facebook page.

"Today was a special day, played a good match and had the chance to catch up with the great indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar"

World Cup dream began after 2007 exit: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has revealed that he started nurturing ambitions of winning the 2011 World Cup right after India's crushing first-round exit in the 2007 edition of the tournament. Talking to Mid-Day after India's victory in the World Cup final, Tendulkar said the prospect of lifting the Cup in front of his home crowd had motivated him through tough times.

"That [winning the World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium] was my dream after we lost in 2007," Tendulkar said. "I took up that challenge. I said, the next World Cup is in Mumbai and this is where I would want the trophy. It was a challenge and I started working towards that.

"After the 2007 World Cup when we got to know that the next one is in India and the final would be held in Mumbai. That is when I felt that this is the place where we have to lift the trophy."

Tendulkar admitted the 2007 exit, which came on the back of a patch of poor personal form was the toughest phase of his career. "Yeah, it was really tough," Tendulkar said. "My family and friends really supported me at that stage. It was probably the toughest phase of my career and I was really demoralised. Talking about the World Cup in India at that time was something which motivated me. The final in Mumbai, that was greater motivation because here is where I grew up playing cricket. I wanted to do something really, really special here in India and Mumbai."

Tendulkar said MS Dhoni's winning hit in the final was the most unforgettable moment of the campaign. "The moment the winning runs were scored, I jumped," he said. "Viru [Virender Sehwag] who was next to me, jumped too. We were sitting in the dressing room and praying."

India's win included hard-fought victories against each of the former World Cup champions. Tendulkar scored two centuries in losing causes, but rated his chancy 85 against Pakistan as his most important contribution. Tendulkar recalled a couple of critical moments in that game, which India went on to win and extend their unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cups.

"We set a 6-3 field against Pakistan at Mohali," Tendulkar said. "Their opening batsman, Mohammad Hafeez tried to play a sweep shot off Munaf Patel and got caught behind. I thought that was the turning point of the match.

"The catch Viru took off Shahid Afridi [was also crucial]. The match was very much alive then because Misbah-ul-Haq and Afridi were batting and we needed two-three big overs at that stage, so that was an important catch. An easy one, but important."