29 April,2009 08:02 AM IST | | Kunal Purandare
If you have been following the IPL closely, you wouldn't believe Sachin Tendulkar is in his 21st year of international cricket. Playing the game at the highest level for two decades has not dampened the enthusiasm of the Little Master. On the contrary, the shortest version of the game has brought about a renewed vigour and passion in the genius.
Sachin's batting in the tournament has left millions of his fans asking for more. It's not only about the runs that he's scored, but also the manner in which he's accumulated them. He has launched a clinical assault against every bowler with proper cricketing strokes.
In a tournament that is believed to be a paradise for big hitters, Sachin has proved that cricketing acumen is equally important. He has shown the importance of building an innings and allowed his team to revolve around him. He's been the true icon and role model that he's known to be.
Along with his delightful batting, the master blaster has also led his side beautifully. His shrewd cricketing brain was at work in promoting Harbhajan Singh up the batting order against the Knight Riders and later, asking rookie Abhishek Nayar to bowl military medium pacers.
If Sachin maintains his form and luck throughout the tournament and if his team can perform to even half his ability, the Mumbai Indians may well lay their hands on the trophy. I have no doubt that Sachin desperately wants to win the tournament after missing out last year. He just has to keep enjoying the game.
If the 36-year-old Sachin can maintain the boyish grin on his face that one saw when he accepted the Man of the Match award on Monday, it is we, his fans, who will have a broad smile on our faces, as there is no greater sight than watching Sachin thrash the bowlers to all parts of the ground.
As Ravi Shastri had once said, "He is someone sent from up there to play cricket."
