The Making of a Cricketer - Ajit Tendulkar

Its the World Cup Season and what better time to dedicate a post to the God of Cricket - Sachin. Recently I read a book called 'The Making of a Cricketer' by Ajit Tendulkar which talks about the formative years of Sachin Tendulkar in Cricket i.e. it talks about the years of all the school and club cricket played by Sachin and the journey he took till First Class International Cricket.

The book also shows the maturity and growth of a 12 year old boy to a 16 year old adult and the peace and calmness with which Sachin handles the various responsibilities that he undertakes. Since the book has been written by his brother himself - it also shows the involvement, and encouragement of his family in his growth.

Below are few excerpts from the book -

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This is when Sachin must have been 7-8 years old -

This was when I noticed something unusual about my little brother. Though Sachin used to imitate his heroes in other sports ( like JOhn McEnroe), he was never seen copying his cricketing idols. Whether batting or bowling, his style was his own. He never hesitated to play strokes. While batting, his arms always swung freely. I thought, he had a great feel for the game and excellent judgement in reading the length of the ball. For those who saw him play, his body movements were enough to provide evidence of the natural sportsman in him.

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This talks about his initial days of training with Achrekar Sir who was primarily responsible for grooming him -

Sachin had changed since his first net practice when he preferred to stand by himself. Now he mixed easily with his team mates. Achrekar Sir told him he would be batting at number four in the inter school tournaments. This was excellent motivation for him. Now he stopped finding excuses to skip net practice. In fact once the school nets began, he'd finish with his batting turn and before removing his pads, he'd ask someone to bowl to him so that he could correct his faults.

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This talks about the initial days of Sachin playing for some prominent clubs in Mumbai -

Sachin played the next match and batted at two wickets down. The situation was such that he had to go for runs immediately and also match his senior partners by scoring quickly and running fast between the wickets. He justified his inclusion by scoring a quickfire 30 runs. Though the team was chasing a big target, Sachin did not resort to any sort of slogging. He played calmly, getting his runs mainly with perfectly executed cover drives and square cuts. This innings was an indication of his growing maturity since he was playing under the pressure of proving himself and justifying Achrekar Sir's stand of insisting on his inclusion and sending him at number four.

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This is a conversation that takes place between Sachin and his brother Ajit in the forth year of competitive school cricket that Sachin is involved in.

"What will happen if I do extremely well in the under 15 tournament?," Sachin asked me. I was helping him to pack his bag for the tournament in Ahmedabad. He had done well in the under 15 group the previous year and attended the All India camp.

"The selectors may consider you for the Bombay under 17 team, then the west zone team for the zonal matches and finally, if you perform well for the All India under 17 camp", I replied.

That wasnt enough for Sachin. And I if I Play well at all levels in the under 17 category?," he went on.

"Then they'll pick you for all levels in the under 19 category", I answered. "maybe even for the under 19 test team."

Sachin was fascinated by the fact that an outstanding performance might lead to his selection even in the higher levels for older boys. Our conversation did not stop there.

"If I do well...", he began again, and anticipating his question, I told him, "If the selectors feel you are that good, they may actually give you a place in the Bombay Ranji Trophy team."

The reader might find this conversation a trifle dramatic in the light of Sachin's remarkable success that season, but it actually did take place.

I recalled this casual conversation again and again that year when Sachin played in every junior category and at the age of 14, became the youngest player ever to be selected for Bombay for the west zone Ranji league matches.

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Hope you enjoyed the excerpts as much as I enjoyed reading the book . And for now - All the best India for the finals tomorrow !!