Aug. 2: Test match No. 169 hands Sachin Tendulkar sole proprietorship of yet another record. It did not take much persuasion to get the master blaster talking on scaling another peak. Tendulkar advised youngsters to have a dream and chase it and also be sincere and honest in their efforts. Excerpts:
On the journey: It has been a long one. I still remember my first Test in Pakistan. It was a completely different feeling altogether compared to the other forms of cricket I had played. It has been a privilege to have had a long innings at the international level and this was my dream.
On lasting 21 seasons: It has gone quicker than I expected. Time flies. You just need to enjoy it, it’s a circle and one cannot expect to be at the top at all times. The formula for me has been simple, to work harder when things are not going right.
I try and spend all my energy at getting better. Expectations have always been there, and I had to make sure I remained on top of my game. It is my preparation that I have always been proud of.
On whether this record will last: Records are meant to be broken. All I can say is that who ever breaks my record should be an Indian.
On the importance of preparation: I tried my best at all times. The preparations lead to good results. Results are not always in your hands. I have never failed to prepare well, be it any form of the game. I have always given my best. The rest I leave it to God.
On bettering Waugh’s record: You need a certain number of years and tours and that is when these things happen. And I am quite pleased that it has taken 20 plus years to get here. It was wonderful.
In the last few years we have played a reasonable amount of Test cricket. At one stage I felt (early 90s) we hardly got any games. But I am happy as that is not the case now.
On carrying the burden: It is God’s gift that the passion has remained the same. I enjoy every moment. It was my desire in life that has taken shape.
I always wanted to play for the country and achieve something.