Cricket

Media hail 'God' Tendulkar

2010-02-25 07:45
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Sachin Tendulkar (AP)

New Delhi - Indian media lined up on Thursday to shower the "God" Sachin Tendulkar with front-page tributes and predict the record-shattering batsman was not finished yet.

Tendulkar, who turns 37 in April, smashed the first-ever double century in one-day international cricket on Wednesday, pounding the South African bowlers with 25 boundaries and three sixes.

Tendulkar's landmark dominated the front pages of leading newspapers, even overshadowing India-Pakistan diplomatic talks.

"Immortal at 200", screamed a banner headline in the Times of India, while the Indian Express ran a half-page photo of a celebrating Tendulkar with the word "God!"

A similar front-page photo in the Hindustan Times, headlined "200 not out", was followed by an appreciation by Tendulkar's former team-mate and bowling great Anil Kumble.

"The way he celebrated when he reached his 200 epitomised the man's persona," Kumble, an ex-India captain, wrote.

"There were no running laps around the field, no aggressive gestures, nothing over-the-top.

"He did what he always does. Raised both his arms, closed his eyes for a moment and quietly acknowledged it had been done.

"If the youngsters in the team can take even 10 percent of what he does, they will be better cricketers for it."

The Times of India highlighted the veteran's scintillating form in the last 12 months, during which he has hit 10 international centuries, including six in Test cricket.

"Treasure this new, improved Tendulkar," the paper said. "He is, by far, still India's most valuable player, and will remain so till he decides to call it quits."

Tendulkar, who made his debut in 1989, has scored 13,447 runs with 47 hundreds in 166 Tests, and 17,598 runs with 46 centuries in 442 one-day matches.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar rated Tendulkar over legendary Australian Don Bradman, saying the Mumbai man was the "greatest batsman the game has ever seen."

Newspapers highlighted Australian spin legend Shane Warne's tweets as he followed the knock of one of his close friends.

"Nervous for my good friend Sachin," Warne posted as Tendulkar neared his double century.

"Come on Sachin, my friend, get your 200. World record to please! you deserve it."

Once achieved, Warne said: "Yes, yes, yes! Well done Sachin my friend. Congrats and well done! Awesome."

The Hindustan Times cricket correspondent wrote: "It's never a good idea to try and speak for a whole nation. But on Wednesday it was a risk worth taking.

"To Sachin Tendulkar, on whom more words have been written than any other cricketer, including Sir Donald Bradman, two words will suffice: Thank you."

The pavilion at the Roop Singh stadium in Gwalior where Tendulkar achieved the feat will be named after him, the Press Trust of India reported.

The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh state, where Gwalior is located, also announced that one of the main roads in the town will be named after Tendulkar, PTI said.

 

Your Comments

Indian2/26/2010 10:03 AM
Records are meant to be broken .. but the SA players have been very gracious and sporting about it. ... if it was the aussies they would have given all sort of excuses ... like the pitch or the ground or umpiring ..and what not ... thts why ..after India, South Africa is my favourite team
Krishna2/25/2010 8:51 PM
Records are meant to be broken, and Saeed Anwar wouldn't mind it! Records apart, Sachin could consistently sustain to be in the pinnacle of glory without getting involved in any controvorsies like sledging, match-fixing, exhibiting arrogance on and off the field ........ The only huge target that is left in Sachin is his passion to win the World Cup and be part of it! If there is a will, there is a way! If there is Sachin, there is winner! All the very best, Sachin !
1up2/25/2010 4:20 PM
@Mfanomncane - Go fight with a bull or somthing like your dumb nation does...IDIOT ! "God" is a metaphor...do you know what that means or do you blame the white man for not sending you to school ?? SACHIN IS "GOD"
roger2/25/2010 4:03 PM
He was great look at the stats from the last few games its not been that great I think he should quit while he is ahead!
roger2/25/2010 4:02 PM
He was great look at the stats from the last few games its not been that great I think he should quit while he is ahead!
Kwaulu2/25/2010 3:46 PM
Inshallah Jai Bajarang Bali Praise the Lorde Hallelujah Viva Sachin Viva You are a true legend...break more records and don't give up cricket Sachin Supporter
smv sa2/25/2010 2:40 PM
I think, why every cricket fan irrespective of religion, cast, nationality loved this great batsman achieving 200 was becoz he has modesty, his work is appreciated by everyone who see him playing. Tht's why he is god of cricket, coz he filled hearts of millions with joy irrespective of who he is. We HAIL YOU SACHIN.. you are the best..
The Master Blaster2/25/2010 2:01 PM
for all the peanuts in the gallery...to all who know how to punch a few lines on urlls key board and cant spell...go play in the traffic ok. Sachin T is an outstanding example of how to take ones talent and become humble for ur country.Yes hes an Indian so what?does that give anyone the right to be racists to all indians ?iF the great Ricky Ponting wud hav achieved this feat what then..wud he be a sheep shagger to some of u.Pls go and do a bit of research on all the great cricketers and follow the game first before and then comment -what Sachin achieved ystrday is MIND BLOWING man...did u see how many of our guyz went up to him and congratulated him bcoz they know they hav seen sumthng special n thats what it is SPECIAL...as for the curry comment will mampara pls list were in the world i can find pap n vleis besides here in SA.curry is consumed all over the world by all nations and is in abundance too.so find Juliaas s number get together n do sum woodwork...mampara ...eish..VIVA SACHIN VIVA.
The Master Blaster2/25/2010 2:00 PM
for all the peanuts in the gallery...to all who know how to punch a few lines on urlls key board and cant spell...go play in the traffic ok. Sachin T is an outstanding example of how to take ones talent and become humble for ur country.Yes hes an Indian so what?does that give anyone the right to be racists to all indians ?iF the great Ricky Ponting wud hav achieved this feat what then..wud he be a sheep shagger to some of u.Pls go and do a bit of research on all the great cricketers and follow the game first before and then comment -what Sachin achieved ystrday is MIND BLOWING man...did u see how many of our guyz went up to him and congratulated him bcoz they know they hav seen sumthng special n thats what it is SPECIAL...as for the curry comment will mampara pls list were in the world i can find pap n vleis besides here in SA.curry is consumed all over the world by all nations and is in abundance too.so find Juliaas s number get together n do sum woodwork...mampara ...eish..VIVA SACHIN VIVA.
Please come play for the Proteas2/25/2010 1:53 PM
Can we please get him to come play for the Proteas. He can open with Biff, and we send Duminy to play for India. Fair swap don't you think???
VV2/25/2010 1:53 PM
Sachin is a true genius - one should also factor in that he has made runs against some of the greatest attacks. He was the highest run scorer in world cups of past where India did not make the final stages - some doing. He did have his lows but overall - excellent player
Sir Thabo2/25/2010 1:48 PM
@White Boy: My guy i am qualified cricket coach, scorer and a player who plays socially now. I am tired of the politics and constant fighting. If i decided to persue my career i would not have been a corporate man who can take care of himself and his family. I know what goes on more then u know. I have been part of a provincial cricket setup. As a true black south african who has passion for the game it's sad seeing what is happening to our ethinic blacks players. Cricket development is hogwash my guy and who has it brought up.
Big K2/25/2010 1:16 PM
Its amazing how so many dumb@$$3$ decides to comment on god rather than the first ever 200* in a odi innings!! Do us a favour and go and Pray to your god, we talking cricket here!!!! Sachin, you Beauty, time and again you prove everyone wrong!!! You are a legend, the maestro!!!And you did it against a Strong SA team!!!! Vande Matharam, Chakde Sachin, Chakde India!!!!!! ..........................Come now Proteas, we dont want url to loose cos we South Africans to, but for me, if either team loses, then its ok, il survive, may the best team win!!! Just dont go get whipped in the 3rd odi, url will be flying back to SA with ur tails between ur legs!!! Im sure Mickey must be loving this, Pricks!!!!
Addie2/25/2010 12:13 PM
SACHIN IS GOD - for all Indians (Hindu, Muslim, Christian or any other religions) all over the world. Because Sachin brings joy to our hearts and has been doing so for 20 years now. Sachin makes people forget their sorrow. How many people in the world can bring happiness to 1.13 billion people? If such a man is not god then who is?
Proud S.African2/25/2010 12:11 PM
I think it is time to give Sachin a promotion... how about "Big Master"? anyone????
Marlon2/25/2010 12:06 PM
Was Gazza there when he was 16 years (std 8) and scoring a century on his debut against Australia???
Yasser2/25/2010 11:59 AM
Masterful. Scoring 200 in an ODI playing Proper cricketing shots:)
Christo2/25/2010 11:58 AM
I am ignoring all comments above If there is one guy that deserves this honor .... it;s the only little maestro Sachin. Sachin .... you deserve it, even be it against my country!!!! What can i say .... I hope you will entertain us with your skills for a few more years. Go Sachin go...........
@Ben2/25/2010 11:55 AM
How did you come to this conclusion that Gary Kirsten showed him how? Kirsten scored 188 vs UAE (not even a recognised test team) whereas Sachin has scored 200 vs SA, 186 vs NZ and 175 vs Australia. Ben, You're an idiot ....
SA SKIPPY2/25/2010 11:46 AM
Dont forget the advertisement that was made just before the English tour,"WE ARE NO 1",Then the Indians who deseves this by playing for this spot not hoping other teams play bad so you can go to no 1,I am waiting for the day ,SA is gonna take the spot of Bangladesh which is not far away. Well said to you PEANUT ,and to you Mr Tendulkar you are not great ,you are the GREATEST,well deserved,smash these SAFFAS beyond the surface of the earth.
TJ2/25/2010 11:42 AM
Tendukar has proven how pathetic the SA bowling force is. Guys like Steyn, Harris and Morkel are given credits they don't deserve. Please recall Ntini or add some African players for a change.
south african fan2/25/2010 11:41 AM
Wow, the little master did great, now what are we going to do about JP Duminy?
Ben2/25/2010 11:24 AM
Gary Kirsten showed him how 2 do it. Gazza SA's # 1 bat ever!
TOKOLOSH2/25/2010 10:47 AM
how sad to read that these fools are using a great maestro's performance to vent their frustrations....i guess it boils down to jeolousy coz its and indian dat has achieved this greatness. and for those in india, cricket is a religion and therefore sachin is there god. its no wonder this country will not progress. we have idiots that have no brains watsoeva
tokolosh2/25/2010 10:35 AM
to all the fools who are using the great maestro's achievement to vent there frustrations is quite pathetic...u have the most modest batsmen making a double century and here we have idiots giving their dumb views. its no wonder that this country is moving 1 step forward and 2 steps back.
Informer2/25/2010 10:24 AM
Yes Tendulkar s a great player and that was a wonderful achievement. Well done to him. But in this case the use of the word God does offend as the capitalised G in God is used to refer to the Christian God while lower case god refers to the other gods.
@ Mfanomncane22/25/2010 10:23 AM
Do you really think that the use of the word "GOD" was stated to be used in a literal sense? Or was it used a metaphor or evan an adjective? The arguments raised and things said, as a response to a literal interpretation to the statement, just means that those who did so are IDIOTS. Plain and simple, they have low IQs. Oh, and so what if we have a GOD for everything... i shouldn't be explaining myself, but they are mere representations depicting GOD's omnipotence and omnipresence, not that there is a god for every single thing in the world. If you don't know the facts, don't speak with conviction or make accusations... Sometimes saying less is more, since opening your mouth, really lets us see how stupid you actually are.
GASH2/25/2010 10:13 AM
@Irshaad you dumbass read Peanuts comment below.
Devisha2/25/2010 10:12 AM
I think some people have gotten over emotional about this & have taken the meaning of GOD in this context too far. They are merely trying to express the happiness of the nation & the greatness of what Sachin has done. i don't see the need to take offence, Christianity & Islam are not the only religions in the world, & some people don't have a problem with the name 'given' to Sachin. He was brilliant & people need to see his talent & beyond their hate for Indian & Indians. Someone obviously has a problem with Indians & the Hindu Religion, just don't take it out on everyone else. We respect your opinion but be mature about it. We don't go around saying horrible things about other followings. in our religion we truly believe that God resides in everything animate & inanimate & therefore we respect it. However we do not go around trying to convert people to our religion as we do not believe it is correct. So please stop picking on the wrong things & look at the postive side of what has happened. What an amazing thing, he has beat the world record & some people cannot see that!! Shane Warne is even happy for the guy!! C'mon people!! Grow up!!! Well done to our cricketing hero!! We love you Sachin!!
Nico2/25/2010 10:05 AM
Great knock by the best batsman in the world. Unfortunately he is not the first cricketer to get a double ton. a Woman has done it before!! He is the first Man that has done it. Will get the womans name.
Peanut2/25/2010 9:44 AM
err -Derek & Mfanomncane which God are you talking about -yours or mine? They did not say that he was Jesus they said he was god -a concept which means different things to different people. Most of India and Asia in general worship a variety of "gods" - Hope you can reconcile this because there are about 5 billion folk out there who have different gods to you. Besides it was only used as an expression of excellence ie Led Zepplin are "gods of rock"or she is a "goddess". Sachin is a cricketing god!
Irshaad2/25/2010 9:43 AM
Definitely a great batman, but in no ways a god. Hitting a ball with a bat doesn't make you Divine! This is not only offensive to Christianity, but Islam as well.
satish 2/25/2010 9:36 AM
Time and again u have proven the critics that u r a master , its u r great attitude and passion which is driving u to the goal. hail the master. and what a physical fitness u have.
South African Indian and Proud!2/25/2010 9:32 AM
Firstly the word God is being used as a metaphore in this sense. Secondly the word GOD does not soley refer to the Cristian religion. It seems that most christians suffer from the belief that they are superior to other "non-believers". "A stupid...nation as India"- Lets not forget that India is the worlds largest democracy as well as one of the largest economies upon which SA relies upon to survive. Lets also not forget the historically India is the oldest surviving civilisation in the world and has a much much longer history of spirituality than the entire western world combined. Hindu scriptures and the foundations of the religion were in place for thousands of years before a certain Roman emporer decided to get together a bunch of priests to decide upon and write the bible. God will never belong to one group! Chakde India!!!
Mike2/25/2010 9:32 AM
Amazing how a brilliant sporting performance gets overshadowed by wankers like THE MAN and E79. They'll use any opportunity to air their racist, religious fanatic views. THE MAN forgets that the SA soccer team are all black, and couldn't find a net if they were wrapped up in one. There's no need to blame that on race, they are just kak soccer players. Tendulkar is a cricketing GOD, because his performance is supernatural. Get over your narrow minded, thick headed prejudiced views and appreciate a magnificent performance.
Mfanomncane Sucks...2/25/2010 9:21 AM
wat if v call him GOD.....v respect him no matter wat..........u all africans just need 2 shut ur mouth up for sum while....as ur team has dun nothin less than shame.......nxt tym wen dey cum 2 india vl giv them bangladesh tickts.....they deserve 2 play there only....
SA Fan2/25/2010 9:18 AM
Well done Sachin. This guy is a good role model even to SA cricketers. Everyone cannot be no.1 so it gives SA something to aspire to. We were no.1 fielding side now teams are scoring 400 against us. What went wrong? We must improve and heads up to Gary Kirsten.
@E792/25/2010 9:15 AM
Please... Dont read the news if you feel so offended! Get over yourself....
@fanomncane2/25/2010 9:14 AM
Your stupidity and ignorance is also noted by the comments that you made, so firstly, before you go mouthing off about the Indian religion go and do some research, I will not give you a lesson on the oldest religion on the planet as it may be too much for someone of you calibre to comprehend. Secondly, if you watched any of the IPL games that we hosted last year, or any of the games that India has played in SA, you would have noticed the staduim packed to capacity with a lot of Indian supporters. And finally, if you think that indians only own "Curry Shops" i would suggest that you look at the top 10 matric list over the last few decades...
VC2/25/2010 9:13 AM
If the Indian want to call him God they can, who said the name God is the exclusive name for the Chrisian faith, if anything all religions would get offended but most people wil understand that they are calling Sachin a God of cricket, its superlative . We as South African are always turning things into racist connotations. Wake up!!!!,
WhiteBoy @ Sir Thabo2/25/2010 9:08 AM
Trust Sir Thabo to politicise and bring race into this. Why spoil such a huge event? I tell you what Thabo, why don't we have a lilly white SA team vs an All Black SA team. How cool will that be. Then we'll see if SA has any world class Black batsmen or wicket keepers or fielders? You can even be the coach.
Jason2/25/2010 9:05 AM
The Man - Your comments are offensive. We are trying to build a better SA, we do not need people whose comments are divisive and counter productive. Stop your nonsense.
JP DUMINY SUCKS2/25/2010 9:00 AM
JP DUMINY gets so many golden duck and low scores. He lives in a mansion and drives a great car. King Commision anyone???
Krish2/25/2010 8:58 AM
What a performer. No dobut the greatest cricket player in the world ever. One think for sure, ther will never be another player as great as him. He deserves to be regarded as a God. As for India --- what more can one say -- They are the greatest Test team and second best one day team. So, you cannot compare them, especially after thrashing South Africa.
@Mfanomncane2/25/2010 8:57 AM
"coming out of their curry shops" ??? racist much ? so what if we support india ? it our right ! and with comments such as yours i can tell you we will comtinue to support india !
derek2/25/2010 8:56 AM
Yes, he played very well and made history,but how dare you compare him with God, and even to put the word in capital letters. Cricket is a game and should remain one, you cannot compare God to a human being under whatever circumstances, that is ridiculous and mortifying to Christianity!
Phelan2/25/2010 8:53 AM
Say what you want, the man is brilliant! Hats off to him!
E792/25/2010 8:49 AM
Why use the word God? why could they not have offended christians by calling him the king of cricket or something like that. All you people who are going to comment negatively on my comment, remeber that I do not mock your God, whoever it is, and on a banter like this one, I have the right to say whatever I feeli like.
CricketFan2/25/2010 8:43 AM
Could not have happened to a more humble and generous person. Well done Sachin. Thoroughly earned and deserved!!!
Mfanomncane2/25/2010 8:35 AM
Granted Sachin is unprecedented and all credit to him for tramendous efforts for the past 20 years but to call him "God" is blasphemous. But it not surprising coming from as stupid and arrogant a nation as India.These are the same people who have a "God" for this and that e.g. for food, "God" of gold,"God" of coffee,"God" of sex etc. Indians rank top along with Ozzies when it comes to arrogance. Worse we now have a lot of SAfrican Indians who have all of a sudden crawled out of their curry shops to support India but were not so vocal not so long ago when we crashed them in India. I hope we'll continue to see these "shakde india" posts when this team plays away from the sub continent.
fan of Tendulkar2/25/2010 8:33 AM
I have always admired Tendulkar from a young age. He is by far the best batsman the game has seen. Well done Tendulkar you def deserve this and what a way to retire if he does as his coming to age. The veteran will always be remembered!
India B2/25/2010 8:31 AM
SACHIN is the greatest. It was a privilege to watch your innings yesterday. Thank you "GOD"
Nobody2/25/2010 8:31 AM
I am a die hard SA fan but I actually wanted him to get his 200, Brilliant knock, from a brilliant batsman
Sox2/25/2010 8:21 AM
Please he was just batting against useless bowlers the chokers of note, is about time we see change they are just tax money thieves.
Sir Thabo2/25/2010 8:19 AM
Hail thee greatest batsman in my ERA of living. A true legend indeed. And the Cherrie on the cake is that u did it agais RSA lilly white team. I bow down to thee Sir Sachin Tendulkar
Ron2/25/2010 8:18 AM
Great 200* Sachin...you make us proud. Could not see the game on TV but was on tenterhooks just following the tweets...You're the greatest! Well done and could not have happened to a better player...both in skill and modesty!
Navarac2/25/2010 8:17 AM
Any chance of the Cobras signing him?
VBN2/25/2010 8:16 AM
Awesome stuff""" Guys lets get away from comparing Tendulkar to any other cricketer. It is a total embarassment to the others. He is just great and makes us all want to watch cricket.
Greig2/25/2010 8:15 AM
Excellent performance. A record that will undoubtedly stand the test of time!
Robar2/25/2010 8:08 AM
A fanatical SA cricket supporter, I salute the greatest batsmen ever to have graced the pitches of this earth. To be beaten by this man, and his team takes away a lettle of the smarting. Well done sir.
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