SACHIN IS GOD, GOD IS SACHIN

In SCG, or Sachin Cricket Ground in Australia, the Lord has manifested Himself in all His splendour (vishwa rupa). That he was compared with Don is illogical to me: who can compare a mere superhuman with God Himself? In deeming the best among equals, Sachin Tendulkar is a loner- for none is even remotely on par with Tendulkar.

(Copyright: sachin-tendulkar.net)

Sometimes I stooped to wonder if Sachin Tendulkar is a mortal after all- a low and cruel thought, after his so-called "lean" patch in 2005-2006. All such doubts were dispelled in 2007 when God came back and created another record of sorts, like only Tendulkar can, of getting out in the 90s. Seven scores in the 90s in the latter half of 2007, and God has given His subjects plenty of breathtaking stroke play and class and also plenty to yearn for.

Like a child crying for mother's milk, like a lover who yearns for his beloved, like the devotee who seeks union with the Almighty, billions of faithful supporters from all over the world were expecting a statistical three-figure landmark. And billions were rewarded pleasantly as they woke up Friday morning to turn on their TV sets to learn one thing: their God has blessed them. And indeed so. I have been blessed and privileged to be in the stadium when God knocked the wind out of the Australians in Chennai, a few years back. The pure bliss when God hits a century is something inexplicable. I relived that moment once again yesterday when God smacked a regal 154 at Sydney. An innings of pure brilliance, and it was sheer poetry in motion! Nothing, not even the midnight hour could stop me from letting out a big roar and clapping profusely when I saw Sachin reach the three figure mark. And like me, crores of people all over the world had experienced bliss.

One God saluting another (Copyright: Cricinfo.com, Getty Images)

I am quite unabashed when I say this: I STILL turn off my TV after Sachin leaves- a phenomenon surprisingly common across the Indian milieu, for over 18 years. He truly is God personified, and only God has the divine force to drive a nation of billion people. Not that a century really matters- as I said earlier, it is just a statistical figure. But right throughout his career, Sachin has displayed nonpareil class and technique. He was the gifted idol, the wonder-boy who appeared all those years back, and he has become so entwined with Indian society and lifestyle of today that it is impossible to associate India without Sachin, without God.

Many times I have sat down to write this blog, and many times I have failed. Its not because of my lack of ability but it is the greatness of the little master which leaves me in awe. But I needn't find "words" to describe Him. After I die, I will go to heaven and see God, till then I will settle for Sachin, screams a banner at a match. It is His presence which drives a billion people's happiness and peace; a nation's euphoria; the mirth of the masses; Indian psyche is run and fuelled by just one soul. And that is God personified. That is our little master. That is Sachin Tendulkar.

A banner at SCG: "Commit all your crimes when Sachin is batting. They will go unnoticed for even Lord is watching."