A Patriot

I was watching the presentation ceremony after India lost a humdinger of a match to Australia at Hyderabad. And I was wondering at Sachin’s ability to play a marathon innings so late in his career.

Why on earth does he do it – playing for hours together in the heat of Hyderabad, chasing an impossible target when most of his younger colleagues had already given up the case as a lost cause and choose to relax in the pavilion? More puzzling considering Tendulkar is arguably the richest player of the lot! And he has nothing left to prove; he is recognized as one of the greatest batsmen the world has ever produced. His place in history is assured. What motivates this man at this stage in his career?

Arun Lal asked this exact same question to Tendulkar – “What motivates you?”

Tendulkar’s reply was a cliche, but it made perfect sense in this context:

“It’s the passion of representing India in international cricket that keeps me motivated all the time. It’s always a dream to play for my country. I am absolutely honoured to do that for the last 20 years,” Tendulkar said.

This is what sets this man apart from his younger and less talented teammates. He takes his responsibility of playing for India very seriously.