Sachin Tendulkar opens up on life after retirement

After recently returning from the US, where he took his beloved game in a bid to globalise it, Tendulkar opened up on a wide range of issues in his first interview with The Hindu.

Arguably world cricket’s biggest icon, Sachin Tendulkar played the game at the highest level for 24 long years. While the country felt obliged all this while, he personally missed out on a lot of other things in life, including spending time with his family. Even though a retired man now, Tendulkar doesn’t find plenty of time for all the small joys, as his travel has increased. But he still manages to spend some quality time with family and importantly, cricket. After recently returning from the United States of America (USA), where he took his beloved game in a bid to globalise it, Tendulkar opened up on a wide range of issues in his first interview with The Hindu.

On Mumbai, his beloved city: Tendulkar hasn’t travelled in a Mumbai local since 1988. The last time he travelled in a train was between Delhi and Dehradun for a short holiday about six years ago. He hasn’t gone out casually in Mumbai in over 25 years, whether it is to shop or eat at a roadside stall. If he does go out, it has to be a pre-planned visit. He certainly misses going out with his friends and eating at roadside stalls but there are few people who help him by supplying these dishes at home. He does enjoy eating out once in a while but has no specific preferences on the dishes mentioned.

On getting more family time: Tendulkar says his mother is happier as he gets to spend more time with her. Although his travel has increased but they are shorter trips, so he gets to return sooner and spend time with family.

On his children: Tendulkar says, “My children have never complained and have been very understanding of my career’s demands on my time. It is ironic though that when I have time now, my kids have grown and are busy with their schedules. However, whatever time we manage to spend together is really enjoyable and it is wonderful to hear what’s going on in their lives.”

On Arjun’s development as a cricketer: He doesn’t think it is appropriate on anyone to anticipate what Arjun is likely to become. He thinks it is best not to pressure children or youngsters at the age that Arjun is currently at. Since he has taken up cricket, Tendulkar answers all his questions and shares his knowledge with him and the two have long discussions about the game. But, he doesn’t pressure Arjun and feels he should be allowed to enjoy his game and allowed to become whatever he wishes to become as long as he is doing his best. If that’s a seamer or a batsman, it remains completely at his discretion. Read: Arjun Tendulkar makes it to the Mumbai Under-16 side

On spending time with friends: Tendulkar gets to spend time with his friends quite regularly, as they all meet during special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.

On Mumbai cricket: Tendulkar says, “My development as a cricketer happened in Mumbai, from the colony to the maidans and eventually playing for the Mumbai squad amongst the stalwarts of Indian cricket. It was the best grooming I could have asked for. Even the foundation was extremely solid and the Mumbai club culture is a great budding ground for any young cricketer to blossom.”

Thoughts on India’s current batting line-up: He feels Shikhar Dhawan, Murli Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are the future of Indian cricket as they are extremely talented and age is also on their side. He feels all of them will undoubtedly be playing together for a long time to come. He knows Ajinkya for a long time and likes his work ethic. According to Tendulkar, “He has been a committed cricketer and his growth rate has been tremendous. I think we have a very capable young line-up.”

Charity: Tendulkar manages to find time for charity as well. He says, “I have always strived to impact lives of the underprivileged in the country and have been providing support in whatever way possible. It is fulfilling to see a smile when a child gets an opportunity or a lady gets light in the house even after sunset. Apnalaya works with the underprivileged in the worst slums of Mumbai and Spreading Happiness tries to provide portable lighting to homes, which have no access to the grid. They are both small initiatives but extremely close to my heart and I do my bit to support them and some other causes from time to time.”

Tendulkar also gave his views on DRS and the pink ball. He feels that the use of technology should be standardised, regardless of which board one is playing under. Though Tendulkar hasn’t played with the pink ball yet, he is in all favour for experimentation.

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