If you thought Sachin Tendulkar’s commitment to the tiger's cause began and ended with one public service message, think again. In a day and age when cricketers generally dedicate big performances to either teammates or family members, Tendulkar stood up for a cause the team took on at the start of this series.
Hours after walking off the field to a standing ovation for his classy 160 the little master reiterated his support for the need to preserve that most majestic of animals. “I would very much like to dedicate this hundred to tiger conservation because that is what the whole team had decided right from the start of this tour,” Tendulkar said. “I have given a couple of messages as well in this regard. So I would dedicate this one to tiger conservation.”
On the eve of the first Test, Tendulkar addressed a press conference to record messages in English, Hindi and Marathi to support the tiger's cause. The team has since put up a much-autographed banner at the ground to raise awareness among the millions watching back home.