Sachin Tendulkar prepares for an interview just as he prepares to bat. He has his focus and his priorities. The phone is put on silent mode, the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door is in place. His time management is impeccable, so is his clarity of thought.
Ahead of his 40th birthday, as he enters the twilight of his career, the Master spoke exhaustively to The Hindu.
Q: How have you dealt with the retirement/dropping of senior players from the Indian team?
A: Obviously you miss them after having played with them for such a long time. To not have them in the dressing room is a phase where the new generation is taking over. Luckily the new-generation guys have been part of the one-day squad, so I know them. We have spent time with each other before they have become part of the Test squad. They are not new to me. You will always miss the great players, Anil [Kumble], Sourav [Ganguly], Rahul [Dravid], [V.V.S.] Laxman. I miss them.
©The Hindu
