Sachin's longevity, excellence make him different from all icons: experts

While Sachin Tendulkar is on the cusp of yet another milestone when he enters the greens at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, many have questioned whether CAB’s celebration is slightly over-board and whether Tendulkar is being distracted from his original passion - cricket? Speaking to CNN-IBN, Debraj Mokerjee, cricket enthusiast, said, “He was a little irritated with the shenanigans of the Cricket Association of Bengal. However, part of the reason he enjoys this level of popularity is because he typifies the excellence that is associated with middle class India globally.” [caption id=“attachment_1212251” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Sachin Tendulkar. PTI. [/caption] Mokerjee also said that martial activities and sports have been always linked. Sports heroes are almost like erstwhile Achilles. “Sachin epitomises the aspirational India after the liberalisation of the Indian economy. He is not perfect, he is a fallen hero but in every sense a real hero. Virat Kohli probably represents the India of today - brash and irreverent,” he said. Gaurav Kalra, sports editor of CNN-IBN, said, “Longevity is a big factor. He retired five years after Sourav Ganguly. He is a real hero, he became a better batsman and is determined to go on and score for the country. He is not worried about his legacy.” Derek O’ Brien, TMC MP, however, did not agree that Bengal was going overboard with Sachin’s 199th test match. “Sachin is not a person or a god but he is an Indian experience. My 74-year-old mother-in-law, who has not seen a single Test match, wants a Test match ticket. There has been a tinge of madness.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will only present a memento on the last day and is not associated with celebrations in a big way, he added. “In all this celebration there will be a lump in our throat. For anyone to replicate those heights in any other profession is difficult. To come out of that zone and participate in the political space is really great,” Brien said.