Is Sachin the greatest or not?

Sachin's greatness has been questioned time and again by many cricket's stalwarts, journalists, and we fans. And in some sense, it makes a good conversation as it leads us to unearth facts and figures from the past to create a rational opinion. Most times however, it is the emotional attachment that we all feel with this great Indian that leads us to believe, yes indeed he is the greatest.

The objective of writing this blog on sachin's greatness, is not to start this conversation again. It is a sincere attempt to share the difference that Sachin Tendulkar has made to my life.

I remember having started watching cricket from 1994 onwards. My first memories are that of a match that India played against Pakistan at Sharjah. It was a final, with India needing around 250 runs to win. Atul Bedade was India's top scorer in that match, but India lost. Sachin and Jadeja were the openers. Sachin had got out on 17 runs I believe and it was a big disappointment as he was looking to steady the ship after initial loss of wickets. Since then, I have followed and played cricket as a passion.

The greatest difference that Sachin has made to my life, is that he has put smiles on my face even when the going has been tough. We all worship God, especially during hard times. We think of God who is above us all and has control of the universe, who can help us come out of hard times. Today I realize that Sachin, to me has done just that. Though I don't think of him consciously, but when he scores runs, it has a significant calming influence on my subconscious. This is something that no other cricketer has been able to do to me, neither of Dravid, Ganguly or Sehwag. Laxman is probably the next batsman who I admire the most and I wish if he could score more of those hundreds.

People have different yardsticks for measuring greatness. For me, anyone who pursues his passion with dedication, devotion and discipline for a life-time is great. I say so because during our pursuit, many distractions and detractors come in our way and hinder our progress. But Sachin is beyond this definition of mine as he has had to deal with many other hurdles and troubles before making it where he is today. Everytime he walks in to bat, his innings affects millions of people's lives. How many people in the world have been able to have that level of attachment. Let me take this further, how many cricketers in the world have enjoyed so much space in people's hearts and minds, without saying a word. I cannot think of anyone. I think I have enough knowledge about cricket to say this with confidence. None of Bradman, Sobers, Viv Richards, Gavaskar, Border, Waugh, Ponting could ever connect with so many people.

Beyond all the runs and hundreds that Sachin has scored, it is the attachment and connection that he has established with the masses, that to me makes him the greatest. His deeds are super-human in nature. As a 16 year old, he walked down the track to Abdul Qadir and hit him for 4 sixes in an over. I have a news feed on that innings of his.

''Sachin not even old enough to get a driving licence. Sachin Tendulkar was facing the best bowlers in the business. As the Pakistani crowds jeered and mocked Sachin holding out the placards saying "Dudh Pita Bhachcha ..ghar jaake dhoodh pee", (hey kid, go home and drink milk), Sachin sent the then young leg spinner Mustaq Ahmed hiding for cover (he had hit two sixes in one over.

The frustaded mentor of Mustaq Ahmed the legendary Abdul Qadir challenges Sachin saying "Bachchon ko kyon mar rahe ho? Hamein bhi maar dikhao" ("Why are you hitting kids? Try and hit me."). Sachin was silent, since then we all have come to know that he lets his bat do the talking. Abdul Quadir had made a simple request and Sachin obliged, and how.

Sachin hit 4 sixes in the over, making the spinner look the kid in the contest. The over read 6, 0, 4, 6 6 6, …and a legend was born.''

For me, it will be a sad day when he retires. I wish time stands still and that day never come. Having said this, I feel blessed to have taken birth in this era. I have watched, loved, admired and been captivated by Sachin for 15 years. When I look into the future and think about my kids, I am sure they will ask me, tell us about Sachin. I will tell them bed-time stories about him. My only desire that remains is that I watch him play live in full flow in a stadium. Amen.