Agreed that Sachin Tendulkar is a champion. But If Tendulkar is not 100 per cent fit, he has no place in the Indian cricket team.
Remember the outcry for dropping a plump Ronaldo during Brazil’s World Cup campaign? Carlos Alberta Peirrera stood by Ronaldo’s glowing career record, but the damage was done.
The team failed to perform as a unit and the gifted Ronaldhino was a shadow of his impeccable self, juggling and jostling too much only to lose possession too many times.
May be Ronaldhino’s conscience was torn between performing his duties to his national side and having to check his flowing skills, purportedly for to play second fiddle to Ronaldo. Brazil lost the world cup just because they had to massage the inflated ego of a former superstar.
If Sachin Tendulkar can’t throw from the deep, he would have to stick to the circle.
Now that is a tricky situation. One it compromises the captain’s options on the field.
Bowling Sachin with a half-baked throwing arm would be a dangerous proposition if the opposition is in full flow or if India is bowling second.
So Sachin’s utility value boils down to a batsman. Now, if he can’t unleash a flurry of shorts due to his injury, then it would mean he would not be playing his natural game.
While playing a controlled game, Sachin is not the best of performers. It is not his cup of tea. For that, we have the ever reliable Raul Dravid.
And remember Sachin was upset when Rahul Dravid declared the innings when he was nearing his double ton. So personal records matter for this champion.
Now, if Sachin were to slow down after his eighties or 40s, Rahul Dravid can’t have the option of declaring because it is a one day game.
Now, do we wan’t a burden of mind games to be forced on a World Cup bound skipper and team just to include a half-fit champion. The answer should be no.
Our hero has let us down by announcing himself available for selection.
