Sachin Tendulkar revealed in an interview in Mumbai on Tuesday that he is looking forward to play his 200th Test in South Africa at the end of this year. He also clarified that his white flannels would still be in use at least till January 2014.
The master blaster who has played 198 Tests for an unbelievable 15,837 runs since making his debut in 1989 assured that the South African tour will be in December, but it would be thrilling to play the 200th Test. He also reminded that it is a massive number and it will be a special feeling when he reaches the venue. It is well known that he retired from One-Day Internationals in December 2012, while his Indian Premier League farewell arrived on Sunday after Mumbai Indians rejoiced victory over Chennai Super Kings.
Cricket fans will now have to wait for his cricket appearance till December this year which he has been gracing internationally for the past 24 years. Despite falling form and slowing reflexes, the 40-year-old, has kept obscure regarding the exact time he will walk into the retirement.
According to records, no player in the 136-year history of Test cricket has managed to play more matches than the Mumbai maestro. When interrogated how he felt about the impending landmark, the maestro expressed that presently he is not aware of that feeling. Whenever it comes, he would likely be able to answer that better. Sachin Tendulkar--the first man with 100 international centuries including 51 in Tests, asserted that more than the 200-Test mark, it would be to help India's cause on the tough tour which would serve as an incentive for him. He explained that whenever they go as ‘Team India’, they got to win. They always concentrate on doing well and play to win. That is the way he views it. In case any record comes to light, it is merely a coincidence which is fine for him.
Tendulkar disclosed that he is savoring Mumbai Indians' maiden IPL triumph, after realizing his dream of being part of a World Cup-winning team in 2011. To be precise, since Mumbai have qualified for the Champions League T20, he might take part in that tournament in October. But currently, he wants to stay away from the game and go on a holiday. He admitted that he will be resting for a while. He will continue to train. He will have net sessions as he still plays Test cricket and will concentrate on fitness. Following the holiday, he will train again.
It has come to light that the maestro’s son Arjun is also emerging through the ranks as a junior cricketer and the maestro has often been seen awarding him tips. When interrogated if he will utilize the summer break to focus more on his son's game, Tendulkar answered that he has a couple of coaches to guide and he doesn't want to disturb that arrangement. He will give him complete freedom to listen to his coaches because too much instruction can puzzle him.
It is well known that Tendulkar has been working closely with a British publication house on the ‘Tendulkar Opus’. Previously, he had agreed to give half a pint of blood to be inserted in 10 premium copies, but later on he decided not to do it. Opus Media CEO Karl Fowler declared that it would be initiated soon after Tendulkar scores his 100th international century. It is more than a year since he got that against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup in Dhaka, but still there is no news about the project. When quizzed about the possible date of release, Tendulkar disclosed that nothing has been decided so far. He has to meet World Sports Group with which he has a tieup regarding this.
It is known far and wide that Tendulkar is a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. When questioned if he would be attending the next Parliament session, he replied that whenever he is not doing anything, he would attend.
