September 7, 2007 - Sachan is a blessing to India in the cricket world. Such players are born rare and it is the privilege of India that Tandulkar was born in this country and celebrates his 33rd birthday on Monday. Whenever India found in crisis, he saved his country from being humiliated, rather raised its status higher than others.

The confusion, and then "sources reporting" started after Tendulkar talked about his physical state.  But that is but natural. If even two days gap between the ODIs is not enough for Tendulkar, it is because so many ODIs and Tests have already been played on this tour.

The first match of the tour was played ages back on June 23 in Ireland. Such long schedule can even test young souls like Dhoni and Karthik, what to talk of a 34-year old who has been battling the foes relentlessly for last 18 years.

The sure way not to get tired is not to score runs! If he is scoring runs, Tendulkar will certainly get tired. And looking at such a satisfying tour of England, whatever be the result in Lord’s, India will love a tired Tendulkar, not a retired one.