Centurion, Dec 20: From a contemporary to a coach, Gary Kirsten’s relationship with Sachin Tendulkar has gone from strength to strength. On the day when the Indian legend completed 50 Test centuries, Kirsten revealed some of the secrets which play an integral part in the making of the Sachin Tendulkar.
The South African believes it is his privilege to be part of the career of a man who has never taken even a net session lightly.
Excerpts from an interview.
On Sachin Tendulkar’s feat of 50 Test centuries
He is a modern, professional cricketer. And he has been that for many, many years. He works extremely hard on his game and I think I have thrown more balls to him in the nets than anybody else. It feels great to be part of this and I have had three privileged years to watch him - how he goes about his business. There is little to wonder [as to] how he has been so successful for so many years. He treats every cricketing day with humility and respect and works as hard as he can on his game.
I think in every innings he is determined to go out and do something. It is an individual milestone for him but as I said, over the last two or three years, when I have been with the team, he has been focussed on making big contributions. He wants to make runs in important situations. He wants to make sure that the team is doing well.
On his playing days against Sachin Tendulkar
You had to be careful sometimes while you were playing against him. I remember standing at mid-on and the amount of balls that got passed from there gave me a clear indication of how technically he likes to set up his game. When he is hitting the ball back past the bowler that is a sign that he is fine.
On Sachin Tendulkar’s net sessions
He just loves the game. He wants to be out there and score runs. But I think it is the way he practices which is the key for me. It is a great lesson for young cricketers - he never takes one ball for granted in the practice session. He tries to hit it perfectly all the time. You will never see him having a loose net [session] or playing a loose shot.
On Sachin Tendulkar, the team-man
He is great. I find him a fantastic team-man. He is really determined to perform for Team India and as I said, it is a privilege. He gets emotionally involved when the team is doing well. I have certainly seen him - the way he fights for his team.
On Sachin Tendulkar’s experience
He understands every situation that he is confronted with in the match. And he plays accordingly. I think any batsman will make mistakes while thinking but Sachin sets himself technically so well to play any delivery.
On Sachin being mobbed by fans wherever he goes
I think this morning it was just him and the security guards walking into the nets. I told him, “It would be a completely new thing for you as normally you have some 300 people around you.” He enjoys playing cricket around the world and he feels it is important for him to do well on other countries. This will be a special one for him. I think he can’t do this in Mumbai. I asked him if he goes to watch his son play cricket and he said yes. But it is tough for him.
On what keeps Tendulkar going
I think he is enjoying his cricket as much as he has ever done. I think for the team to have done well over the last couple of years has given him motivation to make runs and make contributions. He has just got better and better. I think this year he has been just unbelievable. I have seen some real determination in his batting. I don’t know what it is but I believe he is enjoying his cricket.
I think [what is commendable] is the way he goes about his business right from the start. For him the Test match starts two days before the actual game begins. He wants to set himself up – he makes sure that he is comfortable in all his shot-making. The day before the Test he gets his bags ready in the hotel room. You know he prepares absolutely diligently for every Test match. There is no guarantee for success but he sets himself up to give himself the best chance.
