There have been references, rumors and instances of
retirement of senior cricket players of India for quite some time now. That the
team and each of its members are brought under speculations every time they
fail to perform and win a match is nothing new. The fact that they are the
world cup winning champions also doesn't really matter.
A few years ago, we got to hear the same thing from the same
cricketing board for a senior player and an Indian captain of great repute. Yes,
I am referring to Saurav Ganguly. Don't read me wrong if you find me biased
towards him or his cricketing career! (Exactly, the Bong connection) My idea here
is simple. If he was told to decide whether he wanted an honourable exit from
his career (both ODI and Test Cricket), other greats are also being informed
(directly and indirectly) about the same. A poll that a national English Daily
recently conducted found that about 57 percent of the Indians have favoured the
'honourable exit' of Sachin Tendulkar from playing ODIs and continue his test
cricket career. This has come just after the announcement from Ricky Ponting
that he's decided to continue with his Test career but hung the boots for the
ODIs.
Sachin Tendulkar is yet to create the most awaited and
fascinating record of cricketing world—scoring the coveted century to complete
a century of centuries in his international career. If he manages to score a
century in an ODI, I would personally feel delighted and if in a Test match, I
would be equally happy. And I am sincerely hoping that he does achieve this
target in an ODI and then think about retirement.
For Saurav Ganguly, there wasn't any such pressure. He was
going good in his own way and scored runs accordingly. His retirement wasn't
too much of a shock because the treatment that he received, it was quite
expected. He was asked to make way for the youngsters who should get
opportunities to play international matches in order to grow as a player.
I am not debating whether he should have stuck around and
proved his caliber time and again or whether, like him, other senior players
should also make way for the youngsters. Whatever is destined, will happen!
Let's hope for the best.
PS: I voted saying "Can't decide"!
