The 1997 India’s tour to West Indies seems to prove more of an eventful than a beneficial one for cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar. After his infamous ‘ Noel who?’ remark on his soon-to-be team mate David Noel, another controversial fact has come forward from skipper Sourav Ganguly.
It is a compilation on the master blaster by ESPNCricinfo called ‘Sachin Tendulkar: The Man Cricket Loved Back’, where Ganguly was to share his experiences about being the opening partner of the legend for almost a decade. His chapter ‘Gifts, Appetite, Game Sense, and Very Little Bengali’ consists of lot of lesser known facts and moments inside the dressing room as well as this sensational confession.
It was the third test of the tour where India were to chase a small total of 120. But the combined bowling action of Ian Bishop, Curtly Ambrose and Franklyn Rose compelled India to score only 81, VVS Laxman being the only player to attain a double digit. The test became a nightmare while most players had shattered. Being a captain, Dada walked up to the pillar of Indian batting order to make him feel relaxed and positive, but instead got a rough reply.“Go for a run tomorrow morning”, were his actual quote but Ganguly could not turn up for the run next morning and that is when Tendulkar became livid.
“His (Sachin’s) face was almost purple with anger. He told me, in language that cannot be printed, that he was going to send me home and that I should sort myself out because my career could be ending. The thought of being sent home was enough to light a fire under my shoes. I wouldn’t have broken any records, never have, never will, but from the next morning I was up and running.”
Filled with innumerous praises for little master and fun stories between the two, the article is a must read including this unusual incident which was meant for good only we presume. This shows how much the duo cared for each other and how a batting partnership turned out to be a strong bond of friendship even after they quit the sport.