Who will be the next Sachin Tendulkar??

Sachin Tendulkar, an Indian cricketer widely acknowledged as the greatest batsman of his generation. He is set to play his 200th Test at home with the BCCI's working committee approving a proposed two-Test series, likely to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai, against the West Indies in November. The series schedule is also likely to include five One-day Internationals.

Tendulkar, who needed just two more Tests to reach his 200th, had an opportunity to achieve the historic feat at home. This is the 119th time that Tendulkar crossed the 50-run mark in Test cricket - the most by any batsman in Test cricket history.

The day's play started with Cheteshwar Pujara and Tendulkar resuming the Indian first innings.

Tendulkar is looking good but one must not forget the contribution of Pujara in that stand. His quick scoring has ensured that Tendulkar does not get the pressure of the scoreboard. If West Indies do not manage to strike as they did in Kolkata, they might be on the field for a long, long day. 

"Kolkata and Mumbai are going to be the likely venues (for the Tests against the West Indies). We want the second Test to be played at Eden Gardens," Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) treasurer Biswarup Dey said.

Tendulkar, who has millions of devoted fans, already serves in India's parliament, the first active sportsperson to do so. But the veteran will almost certainly be offered a job as a commentator, while former cricketers are hoping he takes up coaching. 

The next Sachin Tendulkar in making

Virat Kohli

Batsman Virat Kohli could in the future take the place of Sachin Tendulkar in the Indian cricket team, said former captain and selector Dilip Vengsarkar.
He was speaking at a session on 'Who Will Be The Next Sachin?' along with cricketing veterans Bishan Singh Bedi and Kiran.

On 24th of July at Harare, leading a young Indian side against minnows Zimbabwe, Virat Kohli slammed yet another One Day International (ODI) century.

Kohli came in to bat after India had lost the wicket of opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan early in their chase of 229 runs. After the departure of Rohit Sharma, the 24-year-old stitched a century stand for the third wicket with debutant Ambati Rayudu to lead India to a comfortable win.

His innings of 115 (108b) was encrusted with 14 boundaries and a six. He thus surpassed Sourav Ganguly as the fastest Indian to reach 15 ODI tons. In fact, he has achieved this feat in just 106 innings which is the fastest in ODI’s history.

This stylish Delhi boy is the next Indian skipper in the making. Well known for his on-the-field temperament Kohli had faced much criticism in the past, but gradually changed himself immensely. Kohli has all the strokes in his arsenal and once he gets the start, he converts it into big ones most of the times.

Rohit Sharma

Impressed with his breathtaking display of batting, Australia skipper George Bailey says Rohit Sharma is certainly the one who is in the mix for the spot that will open up after Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement from international cricket later this month. Rohit cracked a match-winning double century as India posted a 57-run victory in the series-deciding final ODI against Australia to clinch the rubber 3-2 here last night. “It was an extraordinary innings. He has had a wonderful series. He is obviously flourishing at the top of the order.

He would certainly be one who is in the mix for that spot that will open up after the great man (Sachin Tendulkar) departs in a couple of Tests,” he told reporters at post-match press conference.

Rohit blasted his way into the record books with a breathtaking 209 that included a record 16 sixes. He also became only the third batsman in the history of ODI cricket after Virender Sehwag (219) and Sachin Tendulkar (200 no) to reach the coveted double ton. This was also the highest individual ODI score by any batsman against Australia in ODIs.

At the moment both play at the crucial position of number three in the Indian team. If they perform in this passion in the long run, then days are not far when they might break many cricketing records including that of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. 

Sachin Tendulkar

 

Tendulkar accepted a government offer last year to take up a seat in parliament's upper house. The special category is usually reserved for those contributing to the arts, sciences or social services.

Many were surprised that someone who has steered clear of controversy had decided to enter India's muck-raking world of politics, but Tendulkar was determined to make his six-year tenure count.

Tendulkar missed no opportunity days before ODI started to spend time with wife Anjali and their two children, Sara and Arjun, which effectively rules out a travelling job with the Indian team in the immediate future.

"I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports in the country," he said soon after his swearing-in last June. I would be happy if I am remembered as someone who has contributed to all sports in India rather than just my cricket statistics." 

A lucrative career in television commentary is an option for Tendulkar, following in the footsteps of a host of international cricketers. He would be in good company alongside former team-mates like Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Manjrekar, Navjot Sidhu, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly.

Tendulkar has 100 international hundreds. His presence in the middle gets the statisticians on their feet. He is the king of records. Scoring a century is a conceivable pursuit every single time and he failing to do so is breaking news.

"Sachin is too big a player not to attract TV companies," said the executive, who did not want to be named. "What he says is worth its weight in gold." 

Kapil, who played alongside Tendulkar in the Indian team from 1989 to 1994, hoped the master batsman would devote some time to coaching young players.

Sachin will have many options before him, but I wish he will also spare time to pass on his invaluable knowledge to youngsters, Kapil told AFP. They will hang on to every word of his.

Talking about Sachin Tendulkar, American President Barack Obama had said: “I don't know about cricket but still I watch cricket to see Sachin play. Not because I love his play it’s because I want to know the reason why my country's production goes down by 5 percent when he's in batting.” Wonder if Obama will be happy now.

For the fans all across the globe the chants of “Sachin Sachin” are accompanied with high decibel levels. What transpires from it is the unadulterated joy which Tendulkar emanates from his batting his towering presence. For the fans he is still the blue-eyed boy. After his retirement there will be emptiness in the hearts.