Sachin, unencumbered.

At the risk of getting lynched, have to say this about Sachin.
One always felt that he held back a bit.

It could have been what is frequently referred to as 'the aspirations of a billion' on those shoulders.
Or maybe, under the sporting giant, were very human inhibitions.

I always saw this difference between Sachin and Lara.
Both, were immensely talented. Almost divine.
But while one reveled in his talent, I feel the other was overcome by it.

Lara strode out so that he could give you another opportunity to watch his divine self.
Sachin walked out with Gavaskar's ominous prediction of a 100 centuries ringing in his ears.

So one went the flamboyant way.
And the other, started looking at the numbers.
Almost as if, it would be numbers that would ensure him his greatness.

And you can't blame him.
No, you can't.
Because in no way, that did mean a disservice to India or to cricket.

It's only that you felt that he was holding back a bit.
Most obvious when he got into the nervous nineties.
(I wonder who the 'nervous' refers to, sometimes.)

But over the past few months, Sachin has changed.
It is almost as if he's now convinced.
That nothing, no one, can ever upstage him in this game.

And you see that in the way he plays.
You see a Sachin free from all that has held him back.
And the centuries are piling up.

And yesterday, was the most phenomenal of the lot.
200*? Playing out 50 overs? At 37?

Now this, is a man free.
This is a man who will cost me many, many beers.

I only wish he had not dedicated this 'to this nation that has stood by, behind me, through these ups and downs'.
And had said 'I had a ball'.

But then, who am I to wish.