When A Waiter Helped Sachin Tendulkar Improve His Bat Swing
Jan 31, 2017 at 12:51 PM
Calling Sachin Tendulkar the best batsman of modern day game would be fair, at least going by his numbers in international cricket. The batting maestro amassed over 34,000 runs across all formats and is also the first batsman to hit 100 centuries, a record in itself.
However, speaking at a promotional event on Monday, Sachin said it was a waiter in Chennai who helped him improve his bat swing, which eventually showed results over a period of time.
He said a waiter approached him with much hesitation in a hotel and advised him to change his elbow guard, which happens to restrict his natural flow of stroke making.
“If you have an open mind you can develop so many things. In Chennai it was a waiter who came up to me and said if you don’t mind and don’t get offended I want to tell you something. I said go ahead. He said my elbow guard restricts my bat swing. And he was 100 percent right.”
Sachin said he knew something was troubling his free-flow of game but couldn’t figure out the reason. Admitting to have hit on elbow couple of times in past which did hurt him, Sachin said he felt the need of changing the guard from then onwards.
“I knew I was feeling uncomfortable but I never thought of doing it myself. A few years down the line I got hit a couple of times on my elbow guard and it hurt. That’s when I REALIZED padding on elbow guard is inadequate.”
The Little Master said, “I instantly redesigned my elbow guard. I needed to re-open it and work on it. Get the fiber and cushion on either side to absorb the impact. In our country everyone from Panwala to CEO’s will give you advice. But one should still be open about ideas.”
The batting great also advised Virat Kohli’s men to be ready for a tough challenge against Australia and not take the visitors lightly.
The first of the four Tests will be played in Pune from February 23.