Sachin Tendulkar to promote ‘3 Idiots’

You can always trust superstar Aamir Khan to come up with novel ways to promote his films and this time he has roped in ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar to endorse 3 Idiots. Aamir, who has put on a disappearing act as part of the promotion strategy of the film, met the cricket icon three days ago and left a clue about his whereabouts with him. “I don’t know anything more than this,” Sachin said and read out the clue in Hindi , “Kahan jaoon kaise jaoon, itne sawal kaise suljaoon, kabhi to sochoon main udd jaoon. Kabhi sadak pe car bhagaoon, ya chuk chuk gaadi ko aazmaoon, chahe main jaise bhi jaoon, maa ke aangan mein raat bitaoon.”

This is the first of the seven clues Aamir is giving to the media and his fans to search him out while he travels to seven cities in disguise, spending one or two days in each.Sachin, who watched the film at Ketnav studios in suburban Bandra along with his wife Anjali and friends including cricketer Ajit Agarkar, told reporters that he loved the film.”It has every thing from comedy to romance and I was reminded of my naughty days as a youngster,” he said.’3 Idiots’, releasing on December 25, has 44-year-old Aamir playing a 22-year-old engineering student along with actors Madhavan and Sharman Joshi. Kareena Kapoor is the female lead.

Advertisement

Today, I’m more proud of Sachin: Kapil Dev

I’ve always been proud of Sachin (Tendulkar), but I’ve become more proud of him after his ‘I’m an Indian first’ comment the other day... Why should that upset anybody?” asked the iconic Kapil Dev.

Speaking to The Telegraph on Tuesday afternoon, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain added with a touch of emotion: “Like you, I’m disappointed that nobody has actually defended Sachin after he’s been attacked (by the Shiv Sena)... He’s done so much for the country and, surely, Maharashtra is an integral part of it...

“I’m particularly disappointed that the biggest players from Maharashtra and Mumbai, like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Ravi Shastri, haven’t reacted... They must make their stand clear... Do they support Sachin or not? I’d like somebody as eminent as Lata Mangeshkarji, too, to make public her position on the entire controversy...

“It would be a sad day if, for example, a sportsman from Bengal said he was a Bengali first and, then, an Indian... All of us are first Indians, then members of any community or belonging to a specific state...”

Kapil, who was contacted in New Delhi, felt that it “wasn’t necessary” for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a stand.

“I wouldn’t say that the BCCI, as an institution, has to react... But, yes, some officials could do so as individuals... More than them, though, the Gavaskars have to take a position... They should come out with the truth... Nobody has the right to stop somebody from stating what they believe in,” Kapil maintained. Advertisement

Shiv Sena Attacks Sachin again in 'Saamna

Continuing its attack on Sachin Tendulkar, Shiv Sena on Sunday said there was no instance of him helping any Marathi cricketer while Sunil Gavaskar was a "genuine Maharashtrian" and had given Test caps to many players from the state during his tenure as India captain.

In an article in party mouthpiece 'Saamna', Sena MP Sanjay Raut while comparing Tendulkar to Gavaskar, alleged, "There has been no instance of Sachin extending a helping hand to other Marathi cricketers. Forget others, he did not even support Vinod Kambli.

"In contrast, Gavaskar when he captained India, had half the team drawn from Mumbai and Maharashtra. He gave Test caps to many Marathi players including Suru Naik and Zulphikar Parkar at least for one match," he said, while also acknowledging Tendulkar's greatness as a cricketer.

"In this context, Gavaskar is a genuine 'Maharashtrian' and the whole country loves him even now in the same way," the article claimed.

"Players like Sachin have become rich because of game of cricket. Sachin's wealth has crossed Rs 200-crore mark. We expect Sachin to be as 'proud' of Maharashtra as Saurav Ganguly is of Bengal," it said.

"Rahul Dravid too is a Marathi player but he is loyal to Karnataka," Raut said.

The latest salvo came after Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on November 16 accused the cricket icon of hurting Marathi sentiments with his "Mumbai for all" remark.

Thackeray's remarks had evoked angry reactions from a host of political leaders as also the BCCI, who came down heavily on the Shiv Sena chief for criticising Tendulkar, saying his statement was just right and nobody could take objection to it.

Thackeray said that Tendulkar had, through his remark, "left the crease and moved to the pitch of politics" and this had hurt the Marathi psyche.

Earlier, 36-year-old Tendulkar had said, "I am a Maharashtrian and I am extremely proud of that. But I am an Indian first. And Mumbai belongs to all Indians." Advertisement

I love Sachin’s intensity: Aamir Khan

What is amazing about Sachin is that for 20 years he has been able to maintain a level. There has been no dip in his abilities, his application or his passion for the game. I would say very few people could last this long. I’ve played cricket and believe me, you can’t get out of bed for one week after one gruelling match.I saw him for the first time in 1988 when I was shooting at the Brabourne Stadium and he wasn’t playing for the Indian team yet. The team was practising at the nets and I was chatting with Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar and a few others. At a distance I could see this kid batting. I was surprised to see that he was middling the ball; he looked so small, and so young. I was zapped. I wondered who this little boy was, who was being allowed to practise at the nets with the Indian cricket team.

So I asked Kapil and Vengsarkar, “Who’s he? How come I don’t know?” They told me he was a new guy called Sachin Tendulkar, who was being seriously considered for the Indian team. So I had the good fortune of seeing Sachin play even before he walked into the team.The first time I met him was in 1990 when he came to the sets of Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Andaz Apna Apna. I don’t know how many people will recall this but it was Sachin who gave the clap for the mahurat shot at Mehboob Studios in Bandra. We met briefly and over the years we have been meeting off and on. We have been to each other’s homes.I have shown him all my movies, even Andaz Apna Apna which took three years to make. He came along with members of the Mumbai Ranji team to Bandra’s Gem theatre in the G-7 complex where I had organised a preview for them.Whenever we meet, we talked about both cricket and films.

He saw Ghajini at the test screening in my Khar office.He saw Taare Zameen Par also at the test screening. We stay in touch through SMS and when he plays really well, I promptly send him a text congratulating him — like when he smashed 175 in Hyderabad.What’s so attractive about Sachin’s game is the joy and passion with which he approaches the game. There is a lot of intensity in his game whether he is batting, bowling or fielding. For me, everything he does is perfect. I like to watch him open the innings in the ODIs. It gives me a high.

Advertisement

Tendulkar is amazing: Ponting

Only the third batsman to amass 12,000 runs in one-day cricket, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting says he is chasing the benchmarks set by veteran Indian Sachin Tendulkar.

Ponting, after scoring a match-winning unbeaten 111against England on Saturday to take Australia to its second successive Champions Trophy final, paid tribute to Tendulkar, who is completing 20 years in international cricket this November.

“The number of innings of his I have been able to sit back and watch, I think he is an amazing player. Look at his stats and records and it’s quite incredible for someone to have stayed in the game for 20 years,” Ponting said.
Benchmarks to chase

“He has set benchmarks for guys like me to chase and get as close as we can. If I had to last 20 years, I would probably be batting in a wheelchair,” he quipped.

Ponting is the first Australian and the third overall, after Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, to score 12,000 runs in one-dayers. Tendulkar and Ponting, in fact, are the two biggest achievers in batting in contemporary cricket.

Tendulkar has played 159 Tests and scored 12,773 runs with 42 centuries and 53 half-centuries at an average of 54.58 runs. In one-dayers, he has turned out in 430 matches and scored 16,903 runs with 44 hundreds and 91 fifties, averaging 44.48.

Ponting, on the other hand has played 136 Tests and scored 11,345 runs with 38 centuries and 48 half-centuries, averaging 55.88. In one-dayers, he has turned out in 323 matches, scored 12,043 runs and hit 28 centuries and 70 fifties, averaging 43.32.

Both Tendulkar and Ponting no longer play Twenty20 internationals for their countries.

“It is a nice achievement but I had no idea before the game how many runs I had scored. I hit runs for my country and when my career is over I can reflect on the successes,” Ponting said.

After Saturday’s win, Ponting lauded the younger members of his team for contributing to the side’s unbeaten run in the ongoing event.
Peaking at right time

“We have made it to the final with relatively young guys. Michael Clarke is missing and so is Nathan Bracken. We are peaking at the right time for the final,” said Ponting, who shared a 252-run stand with Shane Watson (136).

For the last five years, Australia has won everything the ICC has put on stake except for the Twenty20 World Cup.

Ponting said he takes pride in the side’s performance. “The key I think is the mix we bring of youth and experience. When senior guys take responsibility, it allows younger guys to learn and find their feet at the international level,” he said.

“We are playing at a level which would win us the big games. We look to play the best cricket when it matters,” Ponting added.
Admiration

Ponting’s own form has won him all-around admiration and the right-hander credited it to the brief break he took after the Ashes debacle this summer. “I took 10-12 days break after the England tour and since I have returned, I feel I am batting really well. I am able to achieve a lot of control in the middle.”

Ponting rated the wicket used in Friday’s game as the best by far in this tournament.

Man-of-the-Match Watson, meanwhile, praised his skipper for the role he played in the middle.

“Ricky helped me a lot. In the middle period, when I was finding my feet against slower bowlers, his presence was very useful,” he said.

“Previously, I used to get overawed in big games. I am happy now that I was able to put together a big effort today, especially with the bat,” he added. Advertisement

Sachin no longer a threat: Afridi

India has been lucky to have beaten Pakistan in all the ICC events, said all-rounder Shahid Afridi, oozing confidence that his team would buck the trend this time by getting the better of their traditional rivals in the ongoing Champions Trophy.


When asked whether Sachin Tendulkar was still a threat to Pakistan, Afridi said, "In case of Sachin, you're talking about him in the form he was in 2003. This is 2009."


"So far, luck has been with India. Hopefully, it would all change this time around," said Afridi, who is also vice-captain of his side in the eight-nation event.


Pakistan will take on India in a group B clash at Centurion on Saturday.


Looking back at the 2003 World Cup match between the two sides, which Pakistan lost, Afridi said a lot has changed and his team is a lot better than what it was at that time.


"That was 2003. This is 2009. It's been six years. We are a very good One-day side now. We not only have good batting but our bowling is also exceptional," said Afridi.


Indians, along with hosts South Africa, are claimants to the world's best One-day batting side tag but Afridi said Pakistan are no less.


"If they claim themselves to be the best, I would say we are also best. Every team knows its strength. We have a very balanced side. Still, I don't take any side lightly", he said.


"In One-day cricket, we should not think that we can win easily against any team. There have been examples when big teams have lost to small sides. However, bowling, as I said, has been our chief weapon which has helped us win," Afridi said.


Pakistan's bowling, led by Mohammad Aamer and Umar Gul, backed by spinner Saeed Ajmal and Afridi himself, looks strong and it would only get stronger with the return of Mohammad Asif, who completed his dope ban today.


Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said Asif's return is good news for Pakistan cricket.


"He is a match-winner. Today he completes his ban and he then becomes available. It's good for Pakistan that he has made a comeback. The type of bowler that he is, the team is looking forward to have him back," Alam said.


Afridi has established himself as one of the biggest hitters of the game and similar is the reputation that Yuvraj Singh enjoys in the Indian line-up.


The Pakistani all-rounder had little hesitation in declaring the Indian left-hander as a better batsman than him.


"Yuvraj is a better batsman than me, I have no doubt," he said. Advertisement

I am living my dream, Sachin Tendulkar

It was the winter of 1989 when a 16-year old Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan, their fiercest rival. He came armed with an already formidable opposition and began the journey that scaled a summit that a few would imagine was possible.

Twenty years later, Sachin Tendulkar is a legend among his peers and a colossal that history would place on a heady pedestal. He still plays the game with limitless enthusiasm and continues to enchant.

CNN-IBN brings you the man himself, his unmatched success and the hunger that continues to drive him on in Tendulkar@20 in his own words.

CNN-IBN: Are you still as excited as ever to begin a new season of cricket?

Sachin Tendulkar: I am always excited to play cricket. Twenty years ago, it was a similar kind of excitement and today also it's the same. When it's cricket, the heart starts beating faster and it's not just me, but everyone around us. They all are looking forward to the season and so am I.

CNN-IBN: As you said, as the season starts, the heart starts beating faster but now you must know how to deal with the positive nervous energy in a much better way than when you were 16.

Sachin Tendulkar: Initially, I didn't realise this but as time went by I came to know that this is how my body gears up before a big game. I am a little restless and that's how my body is preparing and my subconscious mind is getting ready for the event. Now I am used to it. So I like it when I am a little restless. I'm comfortable with it.

CNN-IBN: Have you redefined the word genius? In two months time, you will become the second cricketer to complete two decades in international cricket. How do you look back at this entire journey?

Sachin Tendulkar: It's been a fantastic journey. I thoroughly enjoyed it and every moment has been a special one. Playing for India means the world to me. I grew up dreaming about playing for India and I am living my dream. It's almost going to be 20 years now.

I am thankful to God that I have been given the opportunity to play for the country for such a long period. I have been fortunate because so many people dream of playing for the nation and I have been doing it for a couple of decades. So I am quite happy about it.

CNN-IBN: You have broken almost all records a batsman can. So now what motivates you personally, apart from the team goals like winning a World Cup for India? Do you aspire to get 15, 000 runs or hundred centuries?

Sachin Tendulkar: First of all, when you play for India, you do not need any external factor to motivate you. When you play for India, you are motivated from within. I don't think anybody plays for the records. Records are just mere reflection of what I have been able to do for the country. It's just my contribution.

While playing, if records are broken, it's great. But what we look to do is go step by step towards achieving the team's target. And while achieving that the various things that happen are always welcomed. The most important thing is the team's glory and that's what we all focus on.

CNN-IBN: But someone as Roger Federer aims to have this many grand slam titles. Do you see yourself achieving 15, 000 runs? Is it something you are looking to achieve?

Sachin Tendulkar: I have never said I want to score 15, 000 runs. When I achieved 10, 000 runs Sunil Gavaskar said to me that I should achieve 15, 000. And that was what I was asked and I answered that if my hero tells me to do something, I have to put a big effort to do that. And that is where it ended.

It was projected differently. I have never made such big statements. I would like to enjoy the game. And if it has to happen, it will happen.

The only target that I can say I was given was 35 Test hundreds because we grew up watching Sunil Gavaskar and every now and then his examples were used. And if you wanted to be regarded as one of the greatest players, then you have to get to 34 hundreds and go past that. That was the target. I am quite happy because Gavaskar played a role in motivating all of us and left such a legacy that the next generation got inspired by what he did. And in every step in our cricketing life, we have used his example. Advertisement

Sachin Tendulkar's new house in Bandra-Mumbai...Pics

Advertisement

PCB endorses Sachin's idea of four-innings ODI

Endorsing Sachin Tendulkar's view of splitting one-day international matches into four innings with 25 overs each, the Pakistan Cricket Board has said that the proposal was a sensible one which can revive popularity of the format.

Sultan Rana, chief of PCB's domestic cricket department, who has also worked for Asian Cricket Council as a development officer, backed the proposal to split one-day international matches into four innings.

"If the International Cricket Council allows its members to experiment with this new format we will definitely be keen to try it out because our domestic structure is tailormade for this new concept," Rana said.

A member of the famous Rana cricket family in Pakistan, Sultan feels many countries would soon try to experiment with the four-innings concept in their domestic level events.

"I think it is going to happen soon. Because by splitting one-day games into four innings will basically allow the ICC and other countries to make one-day matches as interesting and popular as Twenty20 matches are now," he said.

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, however, did not buy the idea given by India's master batsman and opined that the ICC should not try to tinker with the existing 50-over format of the one-dayers.

"We will discuss this issue internally and be prepared for it when countries are allowed to try out the new format. One has to change with time and I think cricket also has to undergo slight changes with time," Rana said.

Rana also pointed out that the Indian sub-continent, which also includes Pakistan, is the ideal stage to experiment with different options and new concepts of cricket because of the game's immense popularity among public.

Advertisement

Gavaskar, Richards inspired my game: Sachin

Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday said he made a conscious effort to blend Sunil Gavaskar's defence with Viv Richards' ruthlessness to evolve a batting style of his own.

Since his 1989 debut against Pakistan, Tendulkar has been lording over the bowlers, who continue to struggle to breach his near-impregnable defence and often find themselves at the receiving end of his aggressive hitting.

Tendulkar revealed he modelled his batting style on Gavaskar and Richards, two players he idolised.

"Sunil Gavaskar, needless to say, and Vivian Richards are the batsmen that really inspired me," said the champion batsman with more than 29,000 international runs under his belt.

"I wanted to be as solid as Sunil Gavaskar and as destructive as Vivian Richards, because that combination was always going to be lethal. I felt truly inspired by these two individuals on the field," Tendulkar told a news channel.

Over the last two decades, Tendulkar's appetite for runs never waned and the Mumbaikar said he never ran out of motivation.

"I don't need anyone to come to me or motivate me or prepare me before a big game," Tendulkar said.

"I've always been motivated and I love this sport. I grew up loving this sport and as each day goes by, I fall in love with this game more and more.

"The desire to go out there and win matches for my nation is growing, and it continues to grow. I'm proud of the fact that I've been able to play for 20 years and I'm still motivated, and I still want to go out there and do better," he said.

Despite his iconic status, Tendulkar remains a team man and he underlined the importance of working as a unit.

"Team work for me is practising together and also trying to get the best out of each other. That can only happen if you go out of your way to help your team-mate. You must be prepared to sacrifice for your team-mate, which will eventually end up giving a positive result for your team," he said. Advertisement

Can't Compare me to Sachin: Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag, who is eyeing a September return says there is nothing similar between him and Sachin Tendulkar

One year ago, Virender Sehwag was doing the incredible for India by being the best Indian batsman against Sri Lanka's mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis. Today, he is virtually out of contention for the forthcoming one-day international tour of the Emerald Isles.

But Sehwag is no stranger to fluctuating fortunes. A shoulder operation during the World T20 in England has put him out of action. "I have not held a bat since then but I plan to play the Corporate Trophy (September)," he told MiD DAY. Despite a break for the India cricketers, there has been no shortage of drama off the field.

The cricketers' objection to the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) "whereabouts" clause has been well documented and Sehwag was in touch with his teammates with his views.

"I may have not gone for the Mumbai meeting but I was in touch with my teammates and offered my opinion.
"I will go with whatever the team feels about this issue," he said.

It's amazing how people still ask him his similarity with Sachin Tendulkar when it comes to their batting styles.

The other day, he was asked about it again. And he came up with a gem: "Look, I am honoured by all this talk, but frankly, I don't think we are similar in any way even in my bank balance and my runs in international cricket," he said.

Realistically, Sehwag is looking at September's Champions Trophy in South Africa to take guard in international cricket again. But there's work to be done.

"I will definitely try and concentrate on my fitness. Of course, batting and bowling is important but fielding is critical too. I must be able to throw properly," he said.

Being injured can be depressing for a sportsman but Sehwag is kept in good cheer by his teammates. "Ever since I got operated in England, my teammates call me and ensure I am in good spirits. Not only Mahi (Dhoni) but others too. I am hugely encouraged by these gestures," he said.

Advertisement

Sachin Tendulkar Family Unseen Photographs

Advertisement

Tendulkar and Bhajji with NSG Commandos...Rare Photos

Advertisement

Sachin Sets sights on 15K-run mark

With over 28,000 international runs and 85 centuries in Tests and ODIs, there’s hardly a record left that Sachin Tendulkar doesn’t own. The Mumbai maestro, however, isn’t finished yet and has set a new target for himself — of 15,000 runs in Tests.

"I am not yet pleased with what I have done. Sunil Gavaskar has told me that I have to get to 15,000 runs and said he would be angry with me, come and catch me if I didn’t. I admire him so much and to score that many would be a terrific achievement but that is not the only aim for me," Tendulkar said in an interview to Wisden Cricketer.

"Winning the World Cup in 2011 is also my target," he added.

The master blaster — who has played in 159 Tests (12,773 runs) and 425 ODIs (16,684 runs) — is in his 20th year of international cricket but is showing no signs of slowing down.

"I have given it (retirement) no thought at all," he said. "I am good at cricket, so I will play a while longer. I still love the game as much as ever, it is my job but it remains my passion too."

But the wear and tear of playing professional sport for over two decades was catching up with him, Sachin admitted.

"I always play in pain, all the time. I’ve played with a broken finger for the last three months, but you know when pain is manageable or not, and most of the time I can do it," he said.

The 36-year-old hit back at the former Australian coach John Buchanan for pointing out faults in his technique. "It is only his opinion. Buchanan doesn’t have to be right all the time. If I couldn’t handle short deliveries, then I wouldn’t still be scoring runs," Tendulkar retorted.

Tendulkar also had glowing tributes for his opening partner in ODIs — Virender Sehwag. "I would say Virender Sehwag comes closest to my style," he said.

The skipper of Mumbai Indians IPL team also came out in support of Test cricket. "There is no way Test cricket is dying. Twenty20 is the dessert and you can’t survive on that. Who wants to eat only desserts? Test cricket is my main course, with all the meat and vegetables, and then it is nice to have T20 as a dessert!" Tendulkar said.

Advertisement

Are Tendulkar-Dhoni Above Phelps & Bolt?

While the cricket world awaited with bated breath to know what position Indian cricket’s governing body - the BCCI would take in order to push forward the uncomfortable ‘whereabouts’ clause of World Anti Doping Agency, the Indian board made it clear that it would not succumb to anything and sided with their players.

Prima-facie, what the BCCI has done seems to be right, if one looks at the players’ point of view, but what it has done is something which will only be detrimental for the reputation and transparency of players like Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

By refusing to toe the WADA line, BCCI has created a problem for International Cricket Council, as it would become toothless if a few more boards follow the Indian board’s footsteps.

So, let us take a look at the contentious clause which has Team India worried , and because which it is refusing to sign on the dotted line.

In what is possibly, till date, one of the most effective ways to free the sport from cheats and create a fair-play environment, WADA brought its anti-doping code in effect from January 1, 2004. According to its draft, the WADA code is the core document that provides the framework for harmonized anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sporting organizations and among public authorities.

And to guarantee a dope free sport, it has ensured that players are tested randomly and made to undertake routine sample tests, even if they are not playing. Advertisement

Tendulkar-Dhoni Wear Turbans

Advertisement

Kambli's U-turn: Says Sorry to Sachin

Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli on Tuesday denied having accused his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar of not helping him enough and said such reports had left him and his family shattered.

Kambli, who studied with Tendulkar in the ‘Shardashram’ school, said he had never spoken anything against Tendulkar in a reality TV show and termed the report as “completely baseless”.

“I have never said anything against Tendulkar. He is my friend for 26 years, people should know that I will never say such a thing against my friend. He is currently in London and I will meet him soon,” Kambli told reporters here.

The 37-year-old former batsman apologised to Tendulkar for the inconvenience cause to him and his family by the report.

“We share a very good family relationship and I and a lot of my friends are shattered by this. My family is also shattered by this,” he said.

Asked from where such a report emanated, Kambli said “I don’t know but it is completely baseless. I condemn it. I don’t do anything for publicity. I know people love me and I have fans who love me. I will not do anything for cheap publicity.”

Kambli is reported to have said that Tendulkar did not help him when he was on decline. “We are very close... We were very close. He could have done a little more, but he didn’t,” Kambli is quoted as saying by a newspaper. Advertisement