Lessons From Sachin

By Ramesh Akkineni

From An Interview of Sachin Tendulkar

The Sydney Test [2003-04 tour of Australia] saw a strange batting performance from you. What was your approach in that Test?

I was struggling a bit for runs. I kept telling myself that if it is the cover drive that is getting me out, I would not play it. I got out playing the cover drive in Adelaide and at the MCG. It was just not working for me. So I cut it out because I wanted to get runs so India could win the series. I wanted to stay there and not get out in the innings. I told myself that I wouldn't make that change from third gear to fourth gear in my innings come what may.

And I felt proud that I did not play a single cover drive in the innings. If you see my wagon wheel you will see that there was not a single run scored from there. It was a very special innings for me. It was a well-disciplined innings where I curbed my natural instincts. I played within my plans.

How do you break up your innings?

I have never had one set formula. I keep changing my stance and my formula. Sometimes ten runs; sometimes I concentrate on every ball. In Chennai when I made 136 [against Pakistan, 1998/99 series], I concentrated on every ball. Whether I was striker or non-striker, I was concentrating on every ball. All through the innings I was on the ball. I don't think I have ever concentrated so hard. I kept thinking I was facing every ball and if I was batting what would I do with the ball. I felt that I was facing every ball.

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