Whenever Sachin Tendulkar goes to bat hopes of billions rested on his shoulders, however, when India co-host the World Cup next year expectations will reach even higher levels. The final will take place in Mumbai, Tendulkar's home city, but he refuses to let his mind wander toward the prospect of a moment that would crown his career.
"As the World Cup is concerned is a process. We do not want to jump to the 50th floor immediately, we must start on the ground floor," he said. "We have to do it step by step, but getting there would be a fascinating journey. It is our dream, not only mine but the whole country, to get there. To play the final in Mumbai is something that can only dream and all that must come together.
"But if we play to the best of our potential then I think we can do something we've been wanting to do for quite some time."
Tendulkar is currently taking a break from the game, but again mulatto for the test series against Sri Lanka next month. The five-day format has suddenly acquired a much higher priority in India - even Tendulkar himself has always been strong is the flagship brand of the game - after the team reached No. 1 in the world.
They will look to consolidate this position against Sri Lanka before a contest hydrant in South Africa at the end of the year as the top two ranked teams go head to head in three tests in Centurion, Durban and Cape Town . It will be a huge challenge for India to compete in foreign conditions against the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, but Tendulkar does not want to miss the first position away after working so hard for the honor.
"Being number one is special, it was our dream and our goal of reaching number one in Test cricket," he said. "We had a good run in the last 20 months. Everyone wants to be number one and we can not relax because there are other countries that want to be number one. It means a lot to us."
At 37, do not be too long before Tendulkar calls time on his stellar career. He has already reduced their Twenty20 commitments and does not reproduce that form at international level, while he also refused to agree to Middlesex this season to spend more time with his family. However, for the moment has no plans to end his days as a test or one day.
"I want to play as long as possible and whenever I have the desire and hunger I will move forward," he said. "The day I do not want to get out of bed and do anything then I know it will be time to go in another direction."
Friday, August 20, 2010
