Tributes pour in for Tendulkar

17 October 2008

Sachin Tendulkar has given joy to millions of Indian fans

Geoffrey Boycott and former Indian stars Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Kapil Dev and Gundappa Viswanath heaped praise upon Sachin Tendulkar after he broke Brian Lara's run record.

Previous incumbent Boycott praised Tendulkar's character after he surpassed Brian Lara's Test record of 11,953 runs in the second Test against Australia in Mohali.

But Boycott, who took the record from Garry Sobers and ended with 8,114 Test runs, warned that his feat did not make him the greatest batsman of all time.

The 35-year-old had moved on to 12,027 runs when he was dismissed for 88 late on the second day.

Tendulkar is also the leading run-scorer in one-day internationals, having amassed 16,361 in 417 matches.

Tendulkar was eventually caught at first slip by Matthew Hayden off Peter Siddle, as India fought back against Australia in the second Test at Mohali.

“There will always be people who break records - because nowadays they play more Tests than ever, and more one-day internationals," Boycott said.

“It was inevitable that people like Lara and Tendulkar, two of the great players of the last few years, or one or other of them would break records of some description almost every year or two.

“I felt very proud, and he will too. It was very nice, but I think he’ll probably say something like I did.

“If you play enough Test matches and are pretty good at what you do, then you break records.

“It didn’t make me a better player than Garry Sobers - and it won’t make Tendulkar a better player than the great Donald Bradman, the best batsman of the lot.

“But he is a great player, a lovely lad - and I am really pleased for him.”

Boycott has high regard for the way Tendulkar conducts himself off the field and handles his huge celebrity status in India.

“He is well-mannered, polite and has handled the publicity well in India, where they are mad on cricket.

“It is easy to get sucked into it, but he has managed to keep it at arm’s length and keep his private life from his public life.”

Geoffrey Boycott was a holder of the all-time aggregate

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India chairman of selectors Srikkanth warned Tendulkar that his job was not done yet.

Srikkanth, a former India opening batsman, hailed Tendulkar’s feat as a triumph for Indian cricket, but added he needed to keep piling on the runs during a testing period for the team.

“To have an Indian as the highest run-getter is an honour,” he said. “We had Sunil Gavaskar in the past and now Sachin has regained that record for us.

“When you know that an Indian is number one in the world, it gives you a great sense of pride.

“Sachin has to keep it going, India needs him for some more time because India is going through a transitional phase.

“You need someone like Tendulkar around to guide the youngsters.”

Former India captain Kapil added: “When Sunil Gavaskar retired, we always wondered if there would be another player like him. Then Sachin came along.

“But it's going to be a hell of a job for someone to step into his shoes and perform the way he has done over 15-20 years.”

Viswanath, who scored over 6,000 runs for India, reflected that Tendulkar’s demeanour set him apart.

“He always appeared very cool when he was playing and even otherwise. That was the hallmark of his greatness.”

Roger Binny, a member of India's 1983 World Cup winning team, paid tribute to Tendulkar’s confidence in the face of fierce fast bowling.

He said: “Sachin getting to this landmark record is a very proud moment for us.

“I'm sure it will have a great effect on the other batters who will try and achieve his consistency, his hard work and his confidence.

“He has played some terrific fast bowlers in the world and he took them on so confidently. That has been his strength.”

India president Pratibha Patil was left to deliver a congratulatory message to Tendulkar, saying: “You have given joy to countless Indians with your batting.”