Sachin’s 41st ton will be remembered for many a reason. First things first, it was a ton which he wanted to desperately score to silence his critics and become a strong contender for the WC squad.

Was this ton any different to his other 40 tons? Was it because he got it in 76 deliveries or was it that we have seen something like this after a long time at home?

I for one thought that the Baroda ton wasn’t superior to the 102 he scored on the same venue in 2003 against New Zealand which also helped India win. It was special in a way because it helped India win the match and the series against the Windies. I am also aware that he cannot play like the Sachin we knew 5 yrs ago. He has evolved as a cricketer and has gone thru his share of ups and downs and his role is more of a batsman who will reconstruct or consolidate an innings.

His ton against the Kiwis in 2003 at Baroda was the last ton that helped India win before this one. Majority of his tons have ended in India loosing the match. As opener no one doubts him, he is an icon from whom people expect the most, if he does score against a week opponent, critics say- ‘Oh! Anyone can score against a team like this’, if he fails to score they say- ‘See! He couldn’t even score against a team like this…’

I think Sachin has reached a stage where he has got nothing to prove, he will score the way it suits him and he knows best what his body can take and what not. Sachin is best left alone who needs to inspire his teammates by suggestions and experience. He is up among the greats who need no comparison.

The most important issue to discuss for the moment is where does Sachin bat in the line-up for the WC? The opening slot has got more contenders and the middle order looks more solid than ever with his name. Do we shuffle him according to the match, condition, situation or opponent?