Vimal Kumar - Sachin: Cricketer of the Century

Sachin is just phenomenal. He is one individual I have admired for years. Though Bradman is much revered in the modern cricketing world, I have never seen him bat. I have, however, seen Sachin batting, which is for me the best thing in batsmanshiphe is simply magnificent. When people ask about me, and Sachin says that he wants aggression like mine (along with Sunnys solidness), it is very pleasingI am over the moon. It is the greatest compliment for me that such a figure, one so humble, says that he wants to bat like me! I would return the compliment and say Sachin is a class act.

I would have loved to have had Sachins solidness. He is the perfect example of a top-class cricketerno one has said a bad word about him. You see many guys who havent achieved anything and who strut as if they have achieved everything. But Sachin is very down to earth. You would like your kid to emulate him in preparation, scoring and staying power. That Sachin has been there for so long shows that he is solid.

In many ways, Sachin reminds me of Sunny Gavaskar. Whenever they play a defensive shot, it is a defensive shot. Some young players want to be defensive and yet want to score. They forget that attack and defence must be separatedsomething Sachin does perfectly.

If Wisden Almanack does that survey [five cricketers of the century, last done in 2000] again now, Sachin could be at the top. His figures suggest that. People who sit on the panel are influenced by what kind of impact a player has made, what kind of effect he has on [his team] winning. In that regard, Sachin is number one. I would happily take the number six in that list of cricketers of the century.

Sachins overall personality and his off-the-field conduct are two fine, outstanding characteristics that set him apart. Shane Warne was a personality on and off the field and a little more eccentric than Sachin. With Sachin, you want to emulate him one hundred per cent. In terms of mannerism and conduct, he gets maximum marks in all respects. Sachin has led his personality in the right direction and it has helped him accomplish the things he has. It has played its part.

A genius like Sachin has also struggled through some tough times. Its all about how you work harder and how you make a comeback. Sachin has come back better than anyone else. He has had some problems with injuries, but has always had a solid head. What is also remarkable is Sachins motivation against the so-called lesser opposition. I never had the opportunity to play against those teams but Sachin has; and he has always taken them on with the same intensity and motivation with which he faces other teams. It shows how much of a professional he is and how solid his mental prowess is.

Ultimate professionalism is scoring runs against all the teams that are part of ICCs [International Cricket Councils] cricket programme. When you do that with total dedication, its great for the game. There is a song that says if you are solid in body and mind and you have the talent, you will get things done. Sachin did it against the lowest and he did it against the best. Thats why he is an all-rounder for me.

I remember the very first time I saw him play was against Ian Bishop in county cricket [on Indias tour of England in 1990]. Sachin came on the front foot and punched Bishops delivery straight over the sight screen. To me Bishop was one of the most feared fast bowlers. For a newcomer to show that kind of disdain to a guy who, when fit, was as good as any of the famous fast bowlers was impressive! I immediately realized this guy is really special.

I remember our last serious chat was in the Caribbean in 2007. Sachin was feeling a little down. I used a particular word or sentence, and told him, When you retire, you retire for a very long time. I also told him that if you still love and respect the game, Why dont you keep playing? Retirement lasts longer.

One hundred international 100s is a new benchmark of greatness, and it is difficult for me to pick one as the best out of the hundred 100s. Sachins ability to concentrate while being very aggressive is reflected in most of his innings. He has made Indian cricket much better than it ever was.

I am very glad that Sachin is now part of a World Cupwinning team. Put the crown over his head, man, he is the king of batsmanship.