Sachin Tendulkar begins new innings, takes guard as MP

After making waves in cricket, Sachin Tendulkar today took guard in his new innings as Member of Parliament but if anyone had doubts about his priorities, he made it clear that it would be the game first.

Accompanied by his wife Anjali, the 39-year-old cricket legend in a checked shirt and wearing sunshades came to Parliament House in the official car of Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla and was escorted straight to the Chairman Hamid Ansari's chamber.

The first cricketer to be nominated to the House of Elders, his oath-taking as member was a brief affair, which he did in Hindi and in the name of God, but keeping with his star status, the attendant ceremony prolonged a bit longer.

In all, it took more than an hour for the whole process to be over with MoS in PMO V Narayanasamy offering him a golden shawl followed by a photo session and a tea with guests and officials.

Another MoS Harish Rawat and SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav were present at the ceremony after which Ansari welcomed him with some discussion on cricket and his own interest in the game.

Shortly after he took the oath, he was asked how would he assuage those raising questions whether he had time for Parliament because of his commitment to cricket.

He said cricket would be his first priority and hinted at concentrating on Parliament work after he stops playing the game.

However, Tendulkar hastened to add that he does not want rumours to swirl that he has stopped playing cricket for Parliament.

"...I am here because of my cricketing career. I cannot take any focus away from my cricket. That is where it all started for me. I will focus on my cricket and as and when I stop playing cricket, I don't know, when I will start attending to other things.

"I don't want rumours to start that I have stopped playing cricket. I will let everyone know when I will stop playing cricket," Tendulkar said in reply to questions.

Tendulkar, along with film actor Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga was nominated as members of the Rajya Sabha by President Pratibha Patil on April 26.

"Cricket comes first," Tendulkar told reporters.

There was much excitement in the corridors of Parliament as a large number of officials gathered outside Ansari's chamber where Tendulkar took oath.

A number of Parliament staffers took out their mobile phones to capture a glimpse of the cricketer.

Tendulkar said it was a great honour for him to be nominated as a Rajya Sabha member by the President.

Tendulkar said the Rajya Sabha nomination has put him in better position to help not only cricket but also other sports in the country.

On apprehensions that he would not be able to devote much time to Parliament, Tendulkar made it clear that he was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha and had not sought to be a member.

"See, I am a nominee. So, I didn't go to anyone to say that I want to become a Rajya Sabha member. It is an honour which I accept with full respect but I am here because of my cricketing career," Sachin said.

Asked whether Tendulkar's oath was special, Ansari said, "All oaths are the same. All members are same."

Tendulkar said cricket had given him many things in life during the 22 years he has played the game and he had always dreamt of giving something back to cricket in the latter half of his life.

"Whatever I am today is because of cricket and I strongly believe that. Today, with the nomination as Rajya Sabha member, I think I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports in the country which is really important and means a lot to me. And I will try my best to help other sports," he said.

"But I believe there might be few obstacles along the way and a few challenges along the way. And I need help from my fellow parliamentarians, the administrators, media and our countrymen. I think, together we can make a lot of changes," Tendulkar said.

The cricketer said he would like to be remembered as someone who contributed to all sports in the country and not just by his cricket statistics.

"I would finally like to say that I will be happy if I am remembered as someone who contributed to all sports in India rather than just my cricket statistics. That would be fantastic," Tendulkar said.

Agency: PTI

Sachin Tendulkar turns 39

At a private party hosted by industrialist Rajiv Bali here Sunday night at his residence here, Sachin was almost looking shy as he cut the cake to ring in his birthday.

He wore a deep brown T-shirt with colourful butterfly motifs. His wife, Anjali, in a black ensemble, was with him and the couple shared the first bite of the cake. The cake itself was the figure of '100' - after all it was his first birthday after scoring hundred centuries in international cricket.

Sachin, who arrived here Sunday afternoon from Mumbai for his IPL team Mumbai Indians' match against Kings XI Punjab to be played here Wednesday, seemed relaxed at the party which had a select gathering, including some of his Mumbai Indians (MI) teammates.

Sachin obliged guests, including some children who were ready with their miniature and full-size cricket bats to get them autographed. Sachin agreed to pose for photographs for almost everyone who walked up to him for one.

"He was so nice to everyone. I had my photos clicked with him and even got his autograph," budding cricketer Adiraj Singh, 13, told IANS at the party.

In between the signing of cricket bats, autograph sheets and posing for pictures, Sachin could be seen chatting with friends, including his IPL teammates and former cricketer-turned-commentator Atul Wassan.

He could be seen pouring his drink, Laphroaig single malt with soda, at the bar.

"It's great to have Sachin over on this special day," host Bali told IANS.

Even past midnight, Sachin could be seen chatting separately with his MI teammates - perhaps finalising the strategy for Wednesday's match.

Sachin Tendulkar returns to practice for Mumbai Indians

Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday received throwdowns from Mumbai Indians' video analyst, raising hopes of his return to action ahead of the team's Indian Premier League match against Delhi Daredevils on April 16.

The batsman has missed Mumbai's previous three games due to a finger injury sustained while fending a snorter from Doug Bollinger in the season opener against Chennai Super Kings on April 4.

Tendulkar receiving throwdowns from Dhananjay for about 45 minutes, was a welcome news for Mumbai, who are missing the senior batsman's presence at the top of the batting order.

In Tendulkar's absence, Mumbai have experimented with Ambati Rayudu and T Suman as partners for South African Richard Levi, without much success.

"He had started gym sessions yesterday at the BKC ground but did not do any batting practice. He has started practising only today," a team source informed.

Tendulkar did not take part in the net session after facing the throwdowns, but is expected to do so on Sunday.

Team mentor and bowling coach Shaun Pollock had indicated a day before Mumbai's previous match against Rajasthan Royals on April 11, that the cricketer would be available to play in the game against the Daredevils.

Sachin had missed the tie against Rajasthan and was also unable to play against Pune Warriors here and against Deccan Chargers in Vishakapatnam on April 6 and 9 respectively.

Sachin hands over captaincy of Mumbai Indians to Harbhajan

After having led the Mumbai Indians for four years, Sachin Tendulkar handed over the reigns of the team to off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Sachin Tendulkar decided to hand over the captaincy of Mumbai Indians in the fifth edition of IPL to Harbhajan Singh following a discussion with the management of Mumbai Indians. 

 

"Sachin Tendulkar in discussion with the management of Mumbai Indians has decided to hand over the responsibilities of captaining Mumbai Indians in fifth season of the Indian Premier League to ace off spinner Harbhajan Singh," a press release issued by Mumbai Indians stated. 

 

Sachin Tendulkar has quit from the post of MI captain. Pic/AFP

"The Mumbai Indians is more than a team. It is like a family to me. At this point of time, I feel I need a break from the responsibility of captaincy of the Mumbai Indians. After due consideration, I discussed my intention to hand over the Captainship of the team to Harbhajan Singh, with Mukeshbhai and Nitabhabhi," Tendulkar was quoted in the media release. 

 

Tendulkar further stated, "I was touched by the graciousness and wholehearted support they offered me while emphasising that they would accept any decision which helps me to continue enjoying the game. Harbhajan will have my wholehearted support as the senior most player in the team." 

 

Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani termed it as a "difficult moment when Sachin expressed his desire to relinquish the captaincy." 

 

"But we believe that Sachin is the best judge on such matters and hence, as always, we fully support his decison. I have learnt a lot during the last three seasons working with Sachin closely. Sachin is the soul of Mumbai Indians, and I am sure he will guide Bhajji as he takes on the responsibility of captaining Mumbai Indians," Nita Ambani said. 

 

Harbhajan termed this as a "huge honour" as he thanked Sachin and Mrs Ambani for entrusting this responsibility. 

 

"Sachin paaji spoke to me about his decision of wanting me to take over the responsibility of the team. It is huge honour and I thank Paaji and Nita Bhabhi for the faith reposed in my abilities", he said. 

 

"Mumbai Indians is a great team with explosive talent and promising youngsters. I am committed to do the very best and look forward to leading the team to play to its full potential during the season," Harbhajan added.

Sachin available for entire IPL 5

“Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar will be joining the in-progress camp at Wankhede Stadium from 31st March 2012 and is fully available for the entire IPL season 5. Sachin, is in UK to consult his doctor and will be back in India to join the camp from 31st March”, Spokesperson, Mumbai Indians. 

Sachin Tendulkar defends rotation policy in Australia

Sachin Tendulkar addresses a press conference during the celebration to mark his 100th century in Mumbai. (PTI Photo)

MUMBAI: Senior Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday defended the controversialrotation policy that was adopted during the disastrous tour of Australia, saying that the idea was to keep everyone fit as it was a long tour.

After maintaining silence over the contentious issue of rotating three senior openers in the ODI tri-series in Australia, Tendulkar said the much-talked about policy was planned.

"It (rotation idea) was decided by our senior players and captain ( Mahendra Singh Dhoni). We felt that since it was a long tour without long breaks it would be good to give rest to some borderline cases (injuries). I am not saying they were injured. No one was dropped," said Tendulkar at a 55-minute media interaction with a select group of journalists.

The rotation policy saw Tendulkar, vice-captain Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir being rested in turn.

It became a highly contentious issue when Dhoni indicated to the media that all three seniors cannot be fielded in the same match as they would concede 20 extra runs on the field.

Sehwag had then retorted that it was not the reason given at the team meeting by the captain when it was decided to follow the policy.

Tendulkar also felt that what was discussed in the dressing room needed to remain within the four walls. "But that's my view. Individual views may differ."

Later at a media conference he had said he cannot comment on what was said at the media conferences in Australia by some teammates as he was not present.

"I don't know what was said (in what context) and what their (players) intentions were," he reiterated.

Critics don't need to tell me when to retire: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar said he had played cricket because he loved to do and there was nothing better than playing for India. (PTI Photo

NEW DELHI: "My critics haven't taught me my cricket," Sachin Tendulkar has said in a rebuttal to those who were calling for him to retire.

Sachin said: "The day he feels "a little less passion" when walking out to bat for India, I will give up the game" adding, "critics didn't need to tell me to do so."

Tendulkar said he had played cricket because he loved to do and there was nothing better than playing for India.

"I still get goosebumps as I stand with my teammates when the national anthem is on. I still feel the same passion when I pick up my bat and go out," he said in an interview carried in the latest issue of 'Open' magazine.

"They (critics) can question but none of them have answers to their own questions. None of them has been in my predicament and it is impossible for them to understand what I have been thinking and feeling," said Tendulkar, who scored the historic 100th international ton in the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh last week.

When asked whether the final hurdle of scoring the hundredth century was the most difficult, the veteran batsman said: "There is no doubt it was. The 100th hundred was the most difficult to get. I really don't know why but it was."

"May be because it turned into a national obsession. May be because I wasn't able to escape talk of the 100th hundred and it was affecting me at a subconscious level. May be God was trying me harder," he said.

Asked whether the thought of retiring from ODI cricket had crossed his mind after India won the World Cup last year, Tendulkar said such a thought had never occurred to him.

"A number of my friends have also asked me why I didn't retire from ODI cricket after winning the world cup, they may well be right. It would indeed have been a grand exit, emotions were running high and the timing could not have been better but to be honest such a thought never occurred to me," he said.

"There's Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Garfield Sobers, two of the greatest ever cricketers to have played the game. In my time, there have been Brian Lara, Shane Warne, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid. Each of them is a great player," Tendulkar said.

"The one thing my journey has taught me is that however good you are and however talented you are, you have to be ready to grind it out in times of difficulty. You must be prepared to work hard. Keep working hard. And harder.

"There was never and never be a shortcut to success and it is important to know this and pursue your dream with passion, determination and intensity. That has been my belief right through my career," he said.

Tendulkar said he wanted to see India playing well in Tests and be a part in the resurgence.

"I want to see India start playing well in Test matches and I would want to play a part in the resurgence. We played very good Test cricket for five to six year before we lost the series to England and subsequently to Australia.

"I can tell you losses hurt, they hurt really badly. The entire team is keen to stage a turnaround and give fans a lot more to cheer about when we play England in October/November this year. It is important to overcome the really bad phase and move on and I want to do my bit to ensure that Indian Test cricket is back on track," he explained.