I don’t need to prove anyone wrong: Tendulkar

The master batsman,who will turn 39 next month,took on his critics who have been suggesting that he should retire from the one-day format of the game and focus on Test cricket.

Kapil Dev,Imran Khan and some other former greats have in fact expressed views that he should have retired from ODIs when India won the 2011 World Cup.

“I don’t regularly follow what people are saying about me. I feel I should have a clear mind when I am making those decisions in a fraction of a second (while batting) and I need not be thinking about what X,Y or Z had said something about me and I need to prove him wrong,” Tendulkar said in an interaction with select media persons.

“There are going to be opinions (about) whatever I do and whatever number of years I play,but they need not be always correct. Something which will actually contribute in making me a better player is what I need to take notice of and not somebody who is passing his judgement by watching television.

“That person does not know what’s going in my mind or what’s happening with my body. I am the one who knows what’s happening with my mind and body or whether I am motivated enough or whether I am feeling passionate enough to be part of the team.”

Tendulkar said he was trying hard to stay away from all the criticism and focus on enjoying his game.

“Even though I was trying to keep away from all these things and just be focused on the game,I kept telling myself that above all I need to enjoy the game. If I am not enjoying the challenges along the way,it does not work. That was one thing on my mind.”