His world crumbling, Sachin Tendulkar sticks to the drill

MUMBAI: In India's second innings on Sunday, a hush enveloped the Wankhede at around 3.15 pm when Sachin Tendulkar misjudged a fuller-length delivery from England left-arm-spinner Monty Panesar, went back and was trapped leg-before for eight. It was the exact same score on which he had been dismissed in the first innings by the same bowler.

The manner of his dismissals and the run of poor scores have again raised questions on whether Tendulkar, clearly past his prime, should retire.

Sunil Gavaskar, who first set tongues wagging while analysing Tendulkar's tendency to get bowled in the home series against New Zealand, caused uproar when he told a TV channel on Sunday that it was time the 39-year-old legend discussed his plans with selectors.

It seemed a subtle way of telling him that the end was near. Tendulkar, though, seems unperturbed by all the talk around him. A good night's sleep and a blank mind seemingly helped him to get into a cocoon as he walked out for batting practice on Sunday.

While the other players just went through their regular fielding drills and other fitness related activities, Tendulkar skipped all that and summoned India's best spinner in this match, Pragyan Ojha, to bowl at him.

For a good half an hour, Tendulkar instructed him to bowl at a particular spot (just short of driving length) and at a particular speed. Ojha did as ordered by his Mumbai Indians teammate.

The left-arm spinner tried out all his variations at the batsman, who tried to perfect his defence. When the ball was pitched on a length, Tendulkar tried to work on his backfoot play. It was seemed quite intense.

Tendulkar even got coach Duncan Fletcher to go behind the nets and analyse his technique. Having noted a few points, the coach and the ward spoke animatedly.

Clearly, the manner of his dismissals at his home ground has hurt him and he is doing everything he can to fix it. While Tendulkar may not be having the reflexes of old and may be picking the ball up a bit late, one cannot doubt his enthusiasm and willingness to train.

Those wishing that he will retire in the middle of the series are mistaken. The message is clear. He won't retire now. Not like this. The greats choose their moment to go. Maybe, Tendulkar's farewell ought to be a touch sweeter.

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