How good is Sachin Tendulkar, really?

The intent is to explore this question from a variety of angles over a series of posts to make a statement one way or another.

• The Sachin Tendulkar debate – Background
• Rules of Engagement
• What the best ODI batsmen have…
• The best ODI batsmen
  
• Test Matches
• …

Disclaimer:

Outside Edge! loves Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. From the time he started smacking new ball bowlers over cover in New Zealand. From the time he went from ‘ridiculously talented prodigy’ to the batsman on whom India’s chances rested. From the time entire stadiums erupted at the sight of the MRF blade emerging from the pavilion. and the very same stadiums went silent and started emptying when one got through his defence.

Through the time he assumed captaincy of the weakest travellers in world cricket just before tours of South Africa and Australia. Through the time India were routed by pace and seam and his captaincy derided. Through the time he alone stood at the MCG while the others looked club class.

Through the time he cried in the dressing room in Chennai after taking his team to within touching distance of victory. Through the time other talents emerged and became ‘flavour of the season’ as he kept scoring his runs, albeit, more sedately. The time when India were blitzed in the world cup final that he took us to.

Till the time he keeps striding out to take that ‘just outside’ leg stump guard, to adjust various parts of his equipment to then look down the pitch towards the bowler. He will remain the batsman to have played for India and damn near the best batsman of all time to have played this fantastic sport.

Because, when Sachin bats, all else…is irrelevant

p.s: Now, we know that when it comes to this subject, there is no word that even approaches ‘final’. So, I’d encourage you to weigh in on what you think. About the argument that five points of view can yield five different top-10 lists. That greatness cannot come out of a database query. Or can it? If not this guy, who do you think is the greatest? Comment here or email outsideedge.wordpress@gmail.com