'For Dhoni, Sachin is God'

Cliches are clichés, but at best of times, they convey the message far more tellingly as in the case of Sachin: form is temporary, class is permanent.

Watching the little big man wading into an admittedly mediocre New Zealand attack at the tiny Christchurch ground, it evoked nostalgia. I distinctly remember the first time he opened in an ODI, back in 1994, also in New Zealand, when he “put his hand up” after regular Sidhu opted out due to an injury. Partnering Ajay Jadeja, Sachin blasted a 69-ball 82 with 15 boundaries and two sixes as India won by seven wickets. He was adjudged Man of the Match.

In Images: Sachin's 163 sets up India's 58-run win | India in New Zealand 2009

I saw the highlights of that game the same evening, almost 15 years to the day, and we wondered again at the sheer talent. It was much the same on Sunday when Sachin dismantled the Kiwi bowling en route to his first ODI century in New Zealand.

A lot has happened since March 27, 1994 and today, we even question his presence in the ODI squad given the fact that he is 35 and obviously slowed down, if only a wee bit.

Although being one of the biggest fans of Sachin, I did think that he would be better off batting lower down the order so as to keep the Sehwag-Gambhir partnership going and also in view of the string of low scores in the recent past. But then, Sachin, as he has done over the past two decades, silenced his critics with yet another century! Perhaps, it is time then we all clam up and let the great man alone.

The other day, during an informal chat with former India opener and National selector VB Chandrasekar, I asked him about Sachin’s role in the ODI team. “You think, he should bat at No.3 or 4?” I asked. With the least hesitation, VB said: “Come on, don’t even ask such a question. Sachin’s position is either No.1 or 2. I think, given his stature, we should let him decide.”