Published: Nov 10, 2013, 02:16 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 10, 2013, 02:16 PM (IST)
Javagal Srinath also said that Sachin Tendulkar’s inherent respect for people and the humility that is a result of his upbringing have always held him in good stead © IANS
Nov 10, 2013
India’s former ace pacer, Javagal Srinath spoke eloquently about Sachin Tendulkar’s humility on and off the cricket pitch and said that youngsters can learn a lot from the Little Master.
Javagal Srinath told Indian Express, “The success of a professional sportsperson is by and large assessed on the basis of his performances in his chosen field, but there is an inevitable connection between success and his bank balance.
“With Sachin Tendulkar, no matter what the size and quantum of his contracts, what he cherished most was holding his bat aloft while acknowledging the cheers of his teammates and millions of fans after scoring a hundred. Having known him well for so long, I can state with confidence that the pleasure he got from making runs is matchless, and that not even all the riches in the world can ever take his focus away from his cricket,” he said.
With regards to Tendulkar’s humility Srinath said, ” The two aspects of Sachin [Tendulkar] that I have always watched with awe are how he has conducted himself in public, and how he has handled his finances. There are lessons there to be learnt for the youngsters. You may not be able to learn how he bats because after all, he is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of player, but you can take invaluable tips from the two aspects of his life that made him a special person as well.”
He continued, “The way Sachin [Tendulkar] has handled fame and adulation has amazed a lot of people, myself included. The way he goes about dealing with people, with institutions, with the society is both exemplary and praiseworthy. He derives this sustenance and equanimity from strong middle-class values, from the way he has been brought up.
“You can clearly see that influence of his parents and his older brother Ajit at every stage of Tendulkar’s life. He has always been a very humble person, both when he was a young, starry-eyed kid and now, when he is on top of the world. His inherent respect for people and the humility that is a result of his upbringing have always held him in good stead,” he added.
Srinath also lauded Tendulkar for staying grounded in spite of influx of wealth, he added, “The other crucial thing, apart from handling fame and adulation, is how you handle the sudden inflow of wealth. Tendulkar’s view on money is something people, and especially young kids who today have the opportunity of making a lot of money through cricket, should seriously look at. Money has different meanings to all of us, but the way Sachin [Tendulkar] has taken it is quite brilliant.”
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