Kapil Dev: Sachin should be compared to Sir Don, not the Laras’

A TELEGRAPH SPECIAL : LEGENDARY KAPIL DEV ON LITTLE MASTER ... INTERVIEW BY LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI

Back in 1989-90, on Sachin Tendulkar’s maiden tour as an India cricketer, one recalls Kapil Dev saying “Bachcha hai... Usko rahne do...” Given a chance, Kapil would, even today, probably be as protective about Sachin. It’s just that he’s now 36 and not 16. On the eve of Sachin completing 20 years as an international cricketer, Kapil (the only India captain to have lifted the World Cup) spoke to The Telegraph about Little Master.

The following are excerpts

Q When did you first see Sachin?
A At the CCI (in Mumbai), before he’d been picked for India... I recall Raj Singh Dungarpur asking me to bowl a few balls to ‘a highly gifted kid’... I couldn’t say no to Rajbhai and, so, obliged... I didn’t go flat out, aware that I was bowling to a teenager... Sachin, however, flicked one off his hips so beautifully that I couldn’t but stand and marvel... It was an extraordinary shot from one destined to become the world’s best. Of course, I didn’t know that then.

You’d already played for 11 years when Sachin got selected for India (tour to Pakistan in November-December 1989). What did you make of him on his debut series?
Look, you can’t make predictions when somebody is so young... Sachin was only 16 then and I don’t think he’d begun to even shave... At that age, children want to be with their parents and brothers and sisters, but this young boy was alone in an alien country... I would encourage him... When somebody so young is around, you do tend not to talk about a few things... I used to be conscious of Sachin’s age.


What have been your impressions of Sachin over the past 20 years?
I admire Sachin’s passion, his commitment... He has a sense of humour... However, I still don’t know much about his personality... I know Sunil Gavaskar’s, but not Sachin’s... A player of his stature, for example, should regularly be coming out with his views... Should be expressing his opinion... Sachin doesn’t... As a cricketer, he has changed his game... His innings of 175 in Hyderabad the other day showed the Sachin of old... One who would dominate... Over the years, I would’ve liked to see many more such innings... Or, like his knocks in Sharjah (April 1998)... Or, like his Test hundreds in Sydney and Perth on his first tour of Australia (1991-92)... I remember Sachin smashed me for a six in the 1990-91 Ranji final in Mumbai... What a shot that was! Sachin has broken all the records, but hasn’t kept up the pace he had till the 1990s... Given his talent, Sachin should’ve continued to be ruthless. Instead, in more recent years, he has allowed bowlers to dominate... I hope you’ve got the point I’m making.

Why did Sachin change his approach?
Perhaps, he came under pressure from the media... People have been comparing Sachin to (Brian) Lara and (Ricky) Ponting... I find that totally out of place... Sachin, as I see it, should only be compared to Sir Don (Bradman), not the Laras... When he plays his natural game, Sachin is above Lara and Ponting... (After a pause) Sachin has more ability than (Sir) Viv Richards had, but along the way, he chose to play like a Gavaskar!

Little Master I Gavaskar and Sachin... Who would you rate higher?
I’d say Sachin has more ability, but Gavaskar got more out of himself... Gavaskar would tire the bowlers and, then, help himself to big runs... Sachin has it in him to scare the bowlers from the beginning.

What’s the one stand out memory, featuring Sachin, from his first tour?
The way he smashed Abdul Qadir in one over during the exhibition match in Peshawar... Glimpses of a genius were there for all to see. He’d been mind-blowing in that innings of 53 not out.


Records apart, what is special about Sachin?
The way he has taken on the role of India’s greatest sporting ambassador... He has, among other things, inspired a generation and more to play cricket.

What can today’s cricketers learn from Sachin?
The seriousness with which he approaches the game... The manner in which he accepts poor decisions from umpires... He doesn’t react, doesn’t make a scene... No tantrums... Indeed, there’s much to learn for those who actually wish to learn from Sachin.

For all his greatness as a batsman, why did Sachin not succeed as a captain?
It’s not necessary that he had to succeed in that role, too... Having said that, sometimes, a captain has to come down to the level of his players... Surely, everybody can’t bat like Sachin, who is so focused on his game... Sachin, to my mind, is quite a ‘closed’ person, like a (Sir) Richard Hadlee... Sachin wants to bat and bat only, just like Hadlee would only want to bowl and bowl... A captain needs to be quite active with the media, but Sachin didn’t look at that aspect of captaincy.

Can we get another Sachin Tendulkar?
When Gavaskar retired (in 1987), we all wondered whether somebody of his class would ever be seen again... Well, within a couple of years, we got Sachin... So, let’s see...

The last one... You’re worried about losing a further Rs 200...
(Laughs) Yes, as I’ve told you, if Sachin plays till 2019, then I’ll have to send him Rs 200 more!

Sachin in Figures By Mohandas Menon

In Tests

• When he made his Test debut, Sachin Tendulkar was the third youngest debutant to play Test cricket at 16 years 205 days. He still remains the youngest Indian to appear in Tests. Mushtaq Mohammed at 15 years 124 days is the youngest debutant.
• He holds the record for the most number of Test appearances for India (159). Only Steve Waugh (168) has played more Tests.
• He became the second Indian, after Sunil Gavaskar, to cross the 10,000-run mark in Tests. However, along with Brian Lara, he is the fastest to score 10,000, both achieving it in 195 innings.
• Sachin has scored the maximum number of runs by any player away from home. In 87 Tests and 146 innings, he has 7,165 runs.
• He is now the highest run-getter in Tests — 12,773.
• He has scored Test hundreds against all Test playing nations and over 1000 runs against all Test playing nations with the exception of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.



In ODIs
• Second most capped cricketer in one-day Internationals (436 games). Only Sanath Jayasuriya (441) has played more matches than him.
• Appeared in 185 consecutive ODIs between April 1990 to April 1998.
• Scored most runs (17,178) in ODIs.
• Has most number of hundreds (45) and fifties (91).
• Has most scores in 90s (17) in ODIs.
• Has most scores of 99 (3) in ODIs.
• Is the first player to reach 10,000 to 17,000 runs in ODIs.
• Has been involved in most 100-plus stands (91) in ODIs.
• Has scored nine ODI centuries against Australia, which is the highest for any batsman against a single team.
• Has 3,005 runs against Australia, the most by any batsman against a single team.
• Holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in ODIs. (186 n.o. vs NZ).
• Has scored 1,000 runs in a calendar year most times (7) — 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2007.

The Telegraph | 'Challenges change with time' - By Lokendra Pratap Sahi

The one and only Sachin Tendulkar (saluted as a “consummate artist” by another living legend, Amitabh Bachchan) spoke to The Telegraph for well over an hour in the lead up to completing 20 years of international cricket, on Sunday. It has, of course, been an incredible career marked by achievements.

Here go excerpts from the interview

What’s the India of your dreams?
(Pauses) One where everybody has clean water to drink... Where everybody has access to education, right from childhood... For me, both are critical issues...

How do you look at the India of 2009?
I’m not disappointed with the way things are, I know those in authority are making an effort... There’s no point sitting back and criticising for the sake of doing so... An effort is being made to change India for the better and I’m appreciative of that... I’m the positive sort and like looking at the positive side. Sure, one would like to have certain things in place, but I do realise that doing so could take time. It may not be easy...

The question is whether India is heading in the right direction...
It is.

What, for you, would be a nightmare-like situation?
India being hit by natural calamities.

Your vision...
I’d like all citizens to have the basic amenities of life... Nobody, ideally, should be deprived... I’m not talking of the big things, like cars or hi-fi music systems, but clean drinking water and education... You could add health care.

Is there an Indian you’ve admired?
Certainly somebody who made India her home, Mother Teresa... Throughout her life, she helped those whom others would shun... She made a difference to the lives of so many.

Did you get to meet her on one of your visits to Calcutta?
I couldn’t and that remains a regret.

Are you interested in politics?
No.

But you do vote, don’t you?
I exercise my right, that’s it.

So, there’s no chance of you going the way of an Imran Khan or an Arjuna Ranatunga?
(Laughs) Not at all!

Generally, how do you see life?
I consider myself fortunate... Blessed to have been part of the family I belong to... I like giving something to others, which is why you found me endorsing The Joy of Giving Week. As I’ve told you, nothing is ever too small to give. What matters is supporting a cause from the bottom of your heart... A shirt or a pair of shoes may not mean much to you, but would be like gold to somebody who needs that pair of shoes or that one shirt...

Just how much should icons be doing for the lesser privileged?
Look, it has a lot to do with how an individual feels about the whole thing, the way he sees his role (in society)... It can’t be that somebody has to compel an individual to do something. It has to come from within, not otherwise.

You’ve often interacted with terminally ill children. Have those experiences left you very distressed?
Yes... Each time that I’ve met them, I’ve come away feeling how lucky I am... Often, we take things for granted and just wait to complain about this or that... Yet, the terminally ill children have no complaints, despite probably having only weeks or months to live... I’ve always been moved... Meeting such children makes one appreciate the importance of good health, of not being handicapped in any way.

Would an Imran, who has built a cancer hospital in Lahore, score higher marks than cricketers of equal stature because of that one achievement?
I wouldn’t club the cricketing and non-cricketing sides together...

You were part of the Indian team which visited the hospital on the 2005-06 tour of Pakistan. Anything you remember off hand?
I remember it as a very fine facility where even the common man can get himself treated... Imran’s done an absolutely incredible job.

Now, for some cricket-specific questions... On the eve of his 60th birthday, in July, Sunil Gavaskar picked Kapil Dev and you as India’s “greatest” cricketers. Your thoughts?
Makes me feel special... Mr Gavaskar was an idol.

In your book, where would Gavaskar rank?
Without a doubt, he’s one of our best... I’d rate Rahul Dravid very highly, too, as also Anil Kumble.

How should greatness be measured?
(Pauses) One has to judge a player’s contribution to the team... It can’t be about having one terrific series or one very successful tournament... One has to judge over a period of time, take the consistency into account.

You continue to show the passion of somebody making his debut, not one around for 20 years. What, indeed, makes you tick so phenomenally?
Passion... The hunger for runs comes out of enjoyment... I continue to live my dream, which was to play for India... I have a responsibility to do well and carry the team on my shoulders... It’s not a small responsibility, but I’ve never felt burdened... Never thought that I’ve had to make sacrifices to get to where I am.

The motivation, therefore, comes from within?
It does... I don’t need an external factor to motivate me.

One target, it seems, is 15,000 Test runs...
Not a target... If it has to happen, then it will.

You’re already close to 13,000 in Tests. Would 15,000, then, be a driving force, so to say?
I wouldn’t look at it that way... I’ll keep playing, keep doing my job... If I’m destined to get there, I will. My job is to give my best shot (not aim for records).

When will you start focusing on the 2011 World Cup?
Can’t say...

Twenty years ago, how long did you expect to play?
If you’d phrased your question differently and asked me, on the second day of my Test career when I’d got out for 15, just how long would I be playing, my answer would’ve been that the first Test would also be my last! I felt out of place, everything was new... I recall (manager) Chandu Borde spent quite some time talking to me and that made me feel better. The intensity of international cricket was so much more different.

You’d been so tired after the first day (November 15) that you went off to sleep on returning to your hotel room...
(Grins) I did, yes, for a couple of hours... That first day, in such a different environment, had left me drained.

Over the past 20 years, cricket has seen a number of changes. Your take?
Well, because the number of matches have increased, it’s more demanding physically... Some of the changes were needed, they’ve been important.

In terms of skills, is it that today’s cricketers have to be more skilful?
Even earlier, one needed to have the skills... That, surely, hasn’t changed much... But, yes, the quality of the equipment has changed. That’s progress.

Okay... Let me put it this way: Is surviving more challenging in 2009 than it was in 1989?
Twenty years ago, there were different challenges... The challenges and expectations change with time and differ from one level to the other. One has to stay focused and adapt to the changing demands.

Isn’t there a fear that T20 will produce rather mediocre cricketers?
But T20 demands that some batters come and just throw their bat around... If somebody does well, that way, then I don’t have a problem... At the end of the day, we’re talking of the same ball and bat... I don’t see why anybody should have a problem if somebody becomes a hero in a matter of seconds or minutes... You may not remember who holds the record for the marathon, but you’ll know about (Usain) Bolt... There’s space for all forms and each has its challenges... So many dream of playing for India, but you’ve got to be realistic, as well... Very few actually get to realise that dream and, if some can make a career out of T20, with one of the (IPL) franchises, then so be it... They will be able to look after themselves and their families.

Exclusively T20, then, is a viable option...
Absolutely... As I’ve said, somebody may never get to play for India, but could live his passion through a T20 career (in the IPL)... T20 has become hugely popular and will help globalise cricket... Will help increase viewership, expand the market.

But the easy money could actually ruin some cricketers, isn’t it?
(Pauses) There’s a downside to any positive... Surely, how one acts and behaves is in the hands of that person alone... Why blame the IPL? What makes you believe Test cricket cannot spoil a player? I don’t wish to go into details, but there have been instances of that...

Test cricket, though, remains supreme...
Of course, it’s the No.1 form. Has been so, still is and will remain at the top. Test cricket requires more imagination, better planning, sharper execution.
Are you in favour of four-day Tests and such matches being played under lights?
I’m for five days... Test cricket is a challenge and that challenge should be over that many days... As for day-night Tests, the balls could well be an issue... Day-night cricket should first be attempted at the first-class level.

You’ve suggested a change for the 50-over ODIs...
A bit of imagination is needed to take it forward... Indeed, people are putting their heads together.

Aren’t you disappointed that the Deodhar Trophy has been dropped by the Board this season?
Yes... Having said that, the Board introduced the Corporate Trophy, instead... I see that as a good move, for companies can only field permanent employees... Employment opportunities have opened... It’s a win-win situation and I’d like to compliment the Board.

Your advice for this generation?
The young players should live their dream... The desire to play for India fired me up... It should drive today’s generation, too... I’d say don’t look for big things straightaway... Work towards and on the small things and climb from there.

What goes into the making of a successful individual?
A dream... Then, the desire to chase that dream and to make it happen... Honesty towards the job, a sense of commitment... Vision, too, is needed. You can’t guarantee X or Y is going to be successful, but if the attributes are there, then there’s every chance that X or Y would end up being so.

How do you think the millions will remember you, once you’re through with cricket?
Not only as a record-breaker... I guess they will also remember me as somebody who inspired the next generation to take to cricket in a big way... Personally, I see that as my biggest contribution.

At any point, have you thought of what you could be doing after retiring?
No.

What if India hadn’t won the 1983 World Cup, inspiring you to make a career out of cricket...
Oh, I would certainly have been playing some sport... By nature, after all, I’m a sporty person.

Finally... As we speak, who are you most thankful to?
(Emotionally) My family, immediate and extended... All my coaches, starting from Ramakant Achrekar Sir... Teammates... People tend to forget groundsmen, but I’d also like to thank them... I can’t, at this moment, forget to thank friends — cricketing ones and those outside cricket... I hope I haven’t missed anybody...

DEFINING MOMENTS FOR THE MAESTRO


No.1: Beating England by six wickets in the Chennai Test, last December, just weeks after Mumbai’s 26/11... That will always remain my most special moment... Our win there was for all those who’d lost their lives in the terror strike... I’m happy that I contributed an unbeaten hundred (103) in our chase.


No.2: My Test debut (November 15, 1989), in Karachi... A very special day... Also, my first Test hundred (119 not out, at Old Trafford, in August 1990).


No.3: The 35th Test hundred, which took me past Sunil Gavaskar’s 34... I got 109 (against Sri Lanka, at the Kotla, in December 2005)... I’d put my getting beyond Brian Lara’s record for the maximum runs in Tests, in Mohali last year (with 88 in the first innings against Australia), in the same category... Will stay a very special moment... A defining one.

(Source: The Telegraph, Kolkata)