Waiting for a Tendulkar special at home

With Sachin Tendulkar having reached the 100th international century landmark, a 'Little Master special' is what the spectators would be looking forward to when the Test commences in Mumbai on Friday, Anand Sachar reports.

When Sachin Tendulkar walked out to bat against the West Indies in November 2011, there was speculation that it would, perhaps, be his last Test at the Wankhede Stadium. However, exactly a year later, Tendulkar will pad up once again at his home ground to take on England.

Naturally, some have again started speculating that this would be the last time they are seeing the 39-year-old bat in a Test at the Wankhede.

For, India is not scheduled to play a Test series at home till late 2014, after the current season ends.

India skipper, MS Dhoni said on Thursday that Tendulkar's game should be cherished for as long as it lasts.

"It is best not to speculate, he (Tendulkar) may come back and play a few more Tests. We must wait and watch and enjoy the kind of cricket he plays," said Dhoni.

Something special
With Tendulkar having reached the 100th international century landmark, a 'Little Master special' is what the spectators would be looking forward to when the Test commences on Friday.

"It is going to be a very special game. There will be anticipation. I hope he gets a century at home," former India captain Ajit Wadekar told HT.

Wadekar said that there was no better judge than Tendulkar himself to decide on when to call time on his career.

"Even if he is 99% fit, and not 100%, he will not play. Sachin is different, he knows when to bid goodbye."

Another former India skipper, Dilip Vengsarkar, told HT just why Tendulkar has the motivation to excel.

"He has the passion. He wants to see his country win. These are things that keep him going… Sachin has always done well at the Wankhede and could help India gain further advantage."