New Delhi, Nov 5: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has termed Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement from international cricket as the “biggest” the game has ever seen, while another former great V V S Laxman feels that CAB’s farewell arrangements won’t cause “distraction” to him.
Asked if Tendulkar’s impending retirement after two-Test series against the West Indies is the biggest farewell that the world cricket has seen, the veteran replied, “I think so. Any retirement is greeted with sadness. After November 18, there will be no Tendulkar in action. So the frenzy is understandable. He is the biggest cricketer after Sir Don Bradman and his retirement is the biggest of them all.”
Gavaskar even took a dig at the media, who, according to him made endless speculations about Tendulkar’s retirement till the cricketer himself made it official.
“I used to tell you guys that you don’t know what you will miss once he (Tendulkar) retires.”
Laxman said Tendulkar’s innings against Haryana in the Ranji opener at Lahli should act as a confidence booster for the legendary batsman as it came under tough conditions.
“He played a match-winning knock in the second innings but I was more impressed with the amount of time he spent out there in the middle,” said Laxman.
Both Gavaskar and Laxman spoke in the same vein about Tendulkar remaining unaffected by CAB’s grand farewell arrangements, which many think could cause distractions for him.
“I don’t think, these things (farewell celebrations would be a distraction). The moment he landed, he made it clear that he would like to concentrate. As far as the arrangements goes, Kolkata has always shown love for its cricketers. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming but you don’t get this kind of love anywhere in the country,” Gavaskar said.
Laxman on his part said, “Eden Gardens is a special ground. In Kolkata, right from the time you land at the airport till you board a flight back, the love and affection you get is unimaginable. People come up to you and speak about the game.” (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel