No new dreams yet but I am not directionless

You grew up in a middle class family,now you are one of the biggest celebrities. Do you ever feel like living the life of a normal middle-class person?

The fact that I grew up in a middle-class household has helped me tremendously. I will never forget those values. This celebrity status came as I played cricket for the country and it came gradually,so it does not really trouble me much. However,at times I do feel like living the life of a normal individual and that is something I truly miss.

You had a dream and you followed it tenaciously. What were those goals and what lies for Sachin Tendulkar in the future?

The first dream that I ever worked towards was that of playing for India. I have never played this game for records. I grew up watching Sunil Gavaskar bat and then when I established myself in the team I dreamed of scoring 34 Test hundreds,like my hero. I was able to achieve that. One of my greatest dreams was that of winning the World Cup and after playing six of them,I finally managed to achieve that dream. I havent fixed my sights on a new dream yet,but I am not directionless. Every game that I play for India is very important for me. Performing well and taking the team towards victory is the overriding goal right now.

What does cricket mean to you?

Cricket is oxygen for me. Cricket is something that I have lived for and this game is my greatest passion. The game has given me everything and I am immensely thankful for that. It has made me what I am today.

Even after playing for over two decades,is the naughty Sachin still around?

Yes,definitely. I have been naughty and mischievous for a very long time now. When I lived in Sahitya Niwas I used to play a lot of pranks and cause a lot of mischief. I fell down from a tree once while trying to play a prank. Even today when I meet my friends I constantly pull their leg and play practical jokes on them. It it something that I have always done and I dont think I will stop being that person.

Who would you say is the most important person in your life?

If I had to name one person then that would be my elder brother,Ajit. He was the one who noticed my talent and pushed me to really develop what he saw. He has invested a lot of time and effort in me. He has devoted his life for me so that I can perform well for the nation. He has made me his first priority for as long as I can remember. I talk to him regularly and I share a very special bond with him. I spoke to him before the Bangladesh game and I spoke to him just a couple of hours ago. He has been my pole star.

That you should be honoured with the Bharat Ratna is the wish of almost everyone in the country. What is your take on the award?

The Bharat Ratna is Indias highest civilian honour and I am extremely proud that people think of me as being worthy enough for this award. The award is for someone who has dedicated his life to the nation and worked selflessly for the cause. Some truly illustrious people have been recipients of this award and I would consider it a very great honour if I am ever awarded the Bharat Ratna.

What advice would you give a child that wants to become the next Sachin Tendulkar?

Children should be free to make their own choices and do what they like. It is important for them to identify their own talent and then work towards it. Hard work and dedication are very important and if you want to be successful then you cannot compromise on these two qualities. However,I would like to tell parents to not put any undue pressure on their children to do a certain thing. One of the most dangerous things a parent can do is to load their own dreams on the child. Let the kids decide what they really want to do.

(Lad is a sports writer with Loksatta. This interview was translated from Marathi by Chinmay Brahme)