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Not 175, it’s the approach that mattered: Kapil
It is not for everyone to assess what Sachin Tendulkar did in Hyderabad.
An innings of such scale, magnitude, brilliance and craftsmanship cannot easily be comprehended or commented upon by lesser mortals. But one man perhaps possesses that right.
Kapil Dev had been there and done exactly that over 26 years ago in Tunbridge Wells on a nondescript day against Zimbabwe. If anything, he perhaps did one better, guiding India home with his unbeaten 175.
And India's finest allrounder didn't miss even a single ball on Thursday night. The day after the maestro single-handedly almost stole the game from Australia with his epic effort, Kapil was unequivocal in his definition. "There is no doubt that this is Sachin's best innings in the last 15 years," he told DNA over the phone on Friday.
"Forget about my innings," he said when reminded about his score against Zimbabwe. "That was in the past. This is current. I do not recollect seeing Sachin in this mood in recent times."
Kapil was adamant that the 175 didn't matter; it was the attitude that counted. "I do not care if he scored 25 runs or 100 runs or 175. If Sachin continues to play in this way, I will become his greatest ever fan."
There is little that is left unsaid about Sachin in his illustrious career spanning 20 years.
But on Friday, one of the world's best all-rounders ever, sounded deeply emotional. "Let me explain. There will be more runs scored and even more attacking knocks played. But I will never forget this innings. What he did was unbelievable. His intent and mastery of the situation was breathtaking. I repeat, at the twilight of his career, if Sachin adopts this approach more frequently, he will have a lifelong fan in me." Kapil's voice was shaking by the time he put the phone down.
Sachin fit for Sunday
The gruelling 175 did take away a lot from the ageing maestro, but thankfully Sachin Tendulkar is fit to take part in the sixth ODI in Guwahati on Sunday. According to a BCCI official, "Sachin is absolutely fit and ready for Sunday's match." The rest of the squad is also without any fitness worries, he said on Friday.
It could be a truncated affair
DNA Correspondent. Guwahati
It is very unlikely that the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, will witness another 600-run humdinger. Light fades early in this northeastern state so the sixth ODI will start as early as 8.15 am and end at 4.15pm. But even an early start may not guarantee full 50 overs. Early morning fog may turn India's do-or-die match into a truncated affair.
Past records show that the average score in this ground is 240. And there is absolutely nothing between teams batting first or chasing -- both have won six matches each. So toss may not be that crucial a factor.
Curator Sunil Baruah, who has been looking after this particular strip for over 30 years now, claimed it is a 300-run wicket.
"There is no reason why teams can't score more than 300 runs here," he told DNA on Friday.
"The wicket is firm and I have outsourced the grass from Kolkata to retain the 60-70 per cent clay balance. The ball will come on nicely," he said. "But there should be some wetness on the outfield to begin with." India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets the last time they played here. Nothing short of an encore will do.
Source: Derek Abraham
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April 11th Sunday
Jituss Vs Sumeetss
3.00 pm Complejo Beisbol de Liga Infantil,
Miraflores, Guayaquil |
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