Salaam Sachin India Today Conclave kick-starts with Ajit Tendulkar
Ajit Tendulkar LAVA Salaam Sachin India Today Conclave’s first session saw Sachin Tendulkar’s Brother Ajit Tendulkar share some insightful details into Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s life and career.
The session conducted by India Today Group’s Consulting Editor Boria Majumdar saw Ajit reflect on life after 18th November when Sachin will quit the game.
“One thing after 18th November Sachin won’t be wearing I ndia cap again. It will be a big change for him. He has been wearing that India cap for last 24 yrs. He always stepped on the field and people expected to score him 100 always. Pressure is not going to be there further. He can eat as many butter chicken as he wants with no further media scrutiny.” Ajit said
He further added that his entire family will be watching the final test match at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai beginning on 14th November.
“They are happy. Mother has never seen him play. This will be the first time. Also it will be a very emotional moment.
Surprisingly for someone who moulded Sachin’s illustrious career and guided him in his formative years has himself never seen Sachin play live.
So what prompted him to take Sachin to coach Ramakant Achrekar?
“Three things- He had a beautiful back lift. He had a lovely swing of hands. While playing with tennis ball he used to picked up length quickly.”
Ajit also had his fears during Sachin’s growing up years. Especially his love for fast cars!
“Never doubted his ability. A fast learner but few things which scared us. Like Dungarpur Sir called my father that he would often drive at 5th gear. I would ask my mother to pray and my sister used to fast and to create positive vibes.”
One of the low points of Sachin’s career was when his father passed away during the 1999 World Cup. That was the time when his family willed him on to continue playing the remainder of the tournament.
“That point of time (when he passed away during the 1999 WC) if father could have come for even 5 minutes. We would have said the same thing. We all tried to convince him (Sachin) to go and play.
So what is brother Ajit’s favourite Sachin innings?
“I do admit independently that his 136 vs Pakistan in Chennai is my favourite innings.”
Ajit concluded by saying that Sachin will leave the game as a contended man.
“From day one he was disciplined and talented we did not need to do any special. It’s ending on a happy note and most of his dreams have come true he has fulfilled the expectations.”
