I completely disagree with the contention that Sachin is the best batsman in the world. Although, Sachin has played some majestic innings every now and then, I think cricket being a team game the batsman who influences the final result of the game in favor of his team should be greatest batsman. Many former players have already commented about this. According to them, Ponting is way better than Sachin. Ponting has steered Australia into strings of victories across the last decade and even statistics wise, Ponting has better averages than the “little master”.
Is Sachin a better match winner than Brian Lara ? Probably Not. Lara’s gigantic innings, batting mostly with the tale, taking West Indies team to victory in that memorable test match in Bridgetown is one of the finest inning in the game ever. I cannot think of any such innings played by Sachin, even on the dead pitches in subcontinent. Wisden, the cricket almanac, never acknowledged any of the Sachin’s innings in its top 10 innings in the history of test match cricket.
Another major criticism about Sachin is that he does not come to the help of his team in dire situations. Even if he does, he will just leave the scene in middle of everything, and his team will slide into abyss of defeat. Here is where people like Steve Waugh and Michael Arthurton comes into limelight. Steve Waugh has single-handedly endured many threatening bowling spealls, and steered Australia either into position of strength or helped them drew the match. Similar is the case with Michael Arthurton. His mammoth innings against South Africa in South Africa against the lights of Allan Donald is now a story of determination for eons to come. Sachin is different. Like today, he plays for sometime and gets out. Result: Defeat for his team.
A major defence in Sachin’s favor was that to win a test match, bowlers will have to contribute heavily. India do not have any great bowlers in their side. This argument is hollow. If India cannot win matches because of their ineffective bowlers, Sachin can always bat India into draws. I cannot recall any innings played by sachin which features that scenario.
One thing even Sachin critics will agree is the fact that Sachin is a very consistent player. His averages in both test matches and ODIs are a crystal proof of that. In my opinion, the greatest player of the game should not be judged just from the numbers in the scoring book. Yes, Sachin has highest number of centuries in both test and ODIs. Yes, Sachin has over 30,000 runs in international cricket. These are facts, but effective players should become the best player. When it comes to effectiveness on the result of the match, Sachin will be humbled by the lights of Steve Waughs and Brian Laras.
