Ponting Says Sachin Does Not Always Walk, Sourav Says Sachin Should Not Either

Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting can agree on one thing - on their opinion about Sachin Tendulkar and the subject of walking. While Ricky Ponting intends to keep Sachin Tendulkar waiting longer for his 100th international century, Ganguly believes Tendulkar should make the world wait on his decision to walk.

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The Gandhian principles do not apply in cricket. In fact the rules allow for a batsman to stand his ground despite knowing that he is out because there is the umpire to decide if in his opinion, the batsman is indeed out.

Both, the Australian captain and the former Indian captain, are in agreement that although there has been talk about Sachin Tendulkar walking without being given out, that Sachin Tendulkar is not always consistent in the business of walking. And they can also contend individually that while Ponting does not see why he should walk when the umpire is there to do his job, Ganguly believes Tendulkar should not walk unless given out because it could change the complexion of the match.

The subject of walking has been rather controversial and particularly severe on Ricky Ponting who has become cricket's favourite whipping boy. Even as the focus on Sachin Tendulkar has been about his personal milestone, the focus on Ponting has been absolutely opposite. In deflecting the heat, Ponting has had to explain himself, often having to ward off comparison to Tendulkar and sometimes having to cop negative flak for his comments as well in defending himself. Walking has only been one issue, and probably another side distraction for Australia and his captain.