Sachin's Chagrin

After being on sabbatical for a bit, James Anderson made his comeback felt at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He answered his nation's call, the occasion was the third and final test of the much anticipated Engalnd's tour of India.

For Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar it was another day in the park. Another test series, another bowling attack to scalp? Not this time around. The God faced so much difficulty in putting wood and leather together, it was horrifying.

After nudging a few deliveries here, and more there, Sachin went fishing. He nudged at a luscious delivery bowled by Anderson, and helped the ball rest in utter peace in the hands of Jones, the wicketkeeper.

Amidst boos and jeers the enigma walked back into the dressing room. The same man who has humbled many-a fast talking cricketers - walked back, head-down, bat tucked under his arm. Looking defeated and weary, Sachin resembled an old lion. One of those felines who now and then assist the rest in the hunting by smacking the almost dead deer with a feeble blow.

I am no authority on cricket and/or wildlife; however I am a fine judge of all things alive and kicking, a huge fan of SR Tendulkar, cricket and of course, the wildlife. I definitely do not see alive or kicking for that matter in SR Tendulkar.

As I am writing this images of Warne scratching his head in Sharjah, Shoaib breaking down in South Africa, Allan Donald with hands on hips looking disgruntled, Wasim Akram shaking his head in dismay come to mind. All these reactions to these bowling greats being humbled by Tendulkar.

The legend, like many in cricket, will go on. This is when questions arise, questions that can be answered by us, the selectors, Sachin’s workmates. But then will he himself answer them?

Is this the end? Should Sachin retire? Will he be forced to step down a la SG?