Australian’s have a great knack of trying to support their players. Of course, except for Greg Chappell. So this time around there is another Australian called Ian Chappell who is using his tongue to make sure that some day, Ponting will be considered an all time great!
Ian was talking about a man, who was the God until suddenly some realized he was just a mortal. The man was considered the best batsmen of the world, until he got out on duck in his last ODI. Ladies and gentleman, this man doesn’t need introduction. His name is Sachin Tendulkar!

He is the same man, about whom Steve Waugh asked, how should I get him out! He is the same man, about whom Shane Warne had nightmares. He is the same man after whose wicket fell, thousands of cricket fans in India would switch off their TVs. And if you notice what I’m trying to say here…all this is PAST!

One of his best knocks in the recent history was 98 against Pakistan, 2003! And later…well he did play some good innings, but so did many others. Today there is pressure again on him, not just of answering to continuous failures but of deciding whether he should stay or not. Accountability is what people are looking for from this man.

Ian had suggested that Sachin should retire. I would say give him another 6 months. Just 6 months. And keep him off all the Minnow matches. It is learnt that India would tour Bangladesh soon after the world cup. Well send him there. Tell him to be in touch. And if he’s out in any innings (be it test or ODI), tell him he will be dropped. But there is a problem. Nothing would happen to Sachin, or Ganguly. They have support from various sources. They will be allowed to continue, without a word or without a warning.

Whatever the case, I think Sachin should take Ian’s advice, just to save his image. Like what Sonia Gandhi did with her Prime Ministerial position. Make an announcement of retirement. And see what BCCI does with him. If he is still welcome, he should make the best opportunity. And if he isn’t, then it is time he starts managing “Tendulkar’s” (his restruant)!