‘Don’t compare Ponting, Sachin’

Different strokes for different folks, that's what Gautam Gambhir seems to be a believer of. So, while praising Ricky Ponting's voluntary retirement, the India opener, when quizzed about Sachin Tendulkar, was cautious enough to add that retirement is an individual decision.

Different strokes for different folks, that's what Gautam Gambhir seems to be a believer of. So, while praising Ricky Ponting's voluntary retirement, the India opener, when quizzed about Sachin Tendulkar, was cautious enough to add that retirement is an individual decision.

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Asked about Punter, Gambhir said, "He played all his life on his own terms. Now having dominated for so long, he's going into retirement on his own terms instead of being forced to do so."

However, when quizzed about Tendulkar, Gambhir promptly replied, "They are different people from different countries. No one can force you to give up cricket if you still have the passion to continue playing."

While acknowledging the fact that Tendulkar is going through a dry spell, Gambhir stressed upon the legendary India batsman's importance. “Even when he's not contributing on the field, he is doing so off it," said Gambhir. "He's a mentor. Just his presence in the dressing room is a big thing for Indian cricket.” HTC