Former England captain, Michael Atherton, stops short of calling Sachin Tendulkar because of the protection gear that the latter has been privileged to use.
sachin tendulkar fans
Atherton believes Tendulkar would have struggled without the opportunity to avail of the extensive protection that modern day cricketers currently enjoy. Atherton felt that comparing the former greats with Tendulkar would be "demeaning" to the former, so he writes in his column.
Atherton states, ""To suggest that Tendulkar -- or, indeed, any modern, armoured or, to use (Viv) Richards's phrase, "pampered" player -- is the best ever is demeaning to those former greats who stood at the crease in the knowledge that their next ball could be their last."
While he does not label Tendulkar a coward, evident from this statement, "he (Tendulkar) proved his 'manhood' in his first Test series when Waqar Younis bloodied his nose and Tendulkar refused treatment and carried on batting," he feels that Tendulkar's style of batting would have seen him struggle without the gear.
"Tendulkar's method suggests that he would be little inconvenienced by not wearing a helmet. He does not hook, nor does he plunge on to the front foot. And he watches the ball like a hawk. "
Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but there is no denying that Tendulkar is at least leagues ahead of his contemporaries, all of whom have been privileged to use the gear, including Atherton himself.
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Tendulkar Says, Mumbai Does not Belong to Maharashtra Alone
Kambli Survives A Week in Bigg Boss Thanks to Immunity
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When There’s no Cricket; The Suave Come out to Dance
Kambli Alleges ‘Best Friend’ Sachin Didn’t Help, BCCI Discriminated
Sachin, Kambli At Same Function After Fracas
Politician Kambli Opens Up on Television, Incurs Wrath
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Part Deux: Pampered and Spoilt: When Cricketers Become Politicians and Celebrities
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