Even as his teammates decided to take time off from their busy international schedule by packing off their bags and leaving for their respective hometowns soon after losing the second Test at the Wankhede on Monday, Sachin Tendulkar decided to hit the nets to get into the groove before the third Test in Kolkata.
Tendulkar, who is reportedly as concerned about his form slump as his fans, practiced at the nets in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for around two hours on Wednesday afternoon.
Two-hour toil
"He (Tendulkar) toiled at the nets between 1pm and 3pm," said an MCA official. "As many as 12 bowlers of the Mumbai under-25 team, which has been camping at the BKC, bowled at him. He began the nets playing spinners and followed it up with pacers.
"He looked brilliant particularly against spinners. He hit a few of them out of the park. Ajinkya Rahane and Paras Mhambrey were also at the nets. Mhambrey, the former Mumbai and India pacer, also bowled at Tendulkar."
On Tuesday, the selectors had reposed faith in the batting legend, naming him in the squad for the Kolkata Test.
It's clear that Tendulkar wants to prolong his career, but wants to keep his position in the team through good performances. He has communicated the same to the selectors, leaving them to decide his future. Which is quite similar to the arrangement Ricky Ponting has with Australian selectors.
{{/usCountry}}It's clear that Tendulkar wants to prolong his career, but wants to keep his position in the team through good performances. He has communicated the same to the selectors, leaving them to decide his future. Which is quite similar to the arrangement Ricky Ponting has with Australian selectors.
{{/usCountry}}It seems the faith shown by the selectors has acted as a motivation for the leading run-getter in Test and ODI cricket.