SACHIN - Please make a call on ODIs

The post may contradict the views of many Indians who worship Sachin as God. Sachin has been a great inspiration and honor to our country. No doubts about that. I grew watching Sachin. No one can deny he is one of the greats in history who have played cricket. None can imagine to break his records. No one can match his humility. But there has been something that bothers me recently since his world cup stint. 

Whole cricket world has been waiting for the 100th century which eventually came in a controversial way.  Slow 100 in a pitch where the target was never a competing one. He could have done better. As 100th century took a great toll on him, I would give the benefit of the doubt to him. It was never easy to carry the high hopes every time you go to bat. But Sachin should have done better that day.

But the reason I am writing the post is for another reason totally. Recently Sachin has started making calls on when to play and when not to for the team. Getting rest for a series can be acceptable due to continuous schedule. But now-a-days Sachin regularly keeps him away from sub-continental matches. I strongly feel that this is not good for a team. When many young players start to show their talent, I personally believe that it is time for Sachin to retire from ODI.

If Sachin is not going to play next world cup, there is no point sticking in the team and playing matches in Australia and South Africa. Young team should be allowed to play in such conditions. Let the youngsters to gel well as a team and play. Every time Sachin enters the ODI squad, the team composition changes and so is the team dynamics. Its high time to let youngsters explore foreign conditions. They should be allowed to try their combinations. Preparing for the next world cup can be too early, but there are many bright and promising youngsters who are waiting for the opportunity. 

With Dravid retired from Test, Sachin holds the great responsibility of building a solid test team. So, its time for him to make a call on ODIs and mould the test team. Our ODI team is in a well to do position without Sachin. Gone are the days when we needed Sachin to win a match in ODI. With all due respect, Sachin- you made us proud. you made us happy. you made us cry. you made us angry. you made cricket our religion. But its now time to say good bye from ODIs.