Ricky Ponting’s retirement was timed just right. On the other hand, it couldn’t have come at a worse time for Sachin Tendulkar.
Somehow, Ponting’s retirement has actually led to calls for the Indian maestro to do the same — leave after accepting that you are past your best.
Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell wrote on ESPN Cricinfo that Tendulkar’s decline can also be attributed to him becoming more concerned with his statistics rather than helping his team win.
Somehow, Ponting’s retirement has actually led to calls for the Indian maestro to do the same. Getty Images
Such is Chappell’s surety that Tendulkar will stick around for quite some time that he writes:
India is fortunate to have skillful young replacements but there’s more chance the Dalai Lama will be replaced than Tendulkar moved aside.
While cricket followers maybe disappointed that Ponting didn’t go on a high, respect for him was more than evident as he walked on and off the field for the last time.
However, Chappell writes in his column that Tendulkar, who is a couple of years older than Ponting has the Indian population waiting with bated breath for him to brush aside a slump.
He does admit that Tendulkar is still a great batsman, but has stopped dominating bowlers like in his heyday. The selectors need to understand that for many youngsters, the right time will pass if the Little Master continues to play.
Part of being a good selector is about giving a young player the best chance to succeed, he writes.
Click here to read the full column on ESPN Cricinfo.
