Sachin Tendulkar is hailed as one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game of cricket. Tendulkar achieved countless milestones and finished as the highest run-scorer in both ODIs and Tests during his glorious career of 24 years. When Sachin Tendulkar decided to retire in the year 2013, it became one of the most emotional moments in the history of cricket, leaving fans all around India with tears.
However, former chief selector Sandeep Patil has now revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had already started thinking about a replacement for the legendary batter a year before he eventually retired.
When Sachin Tendulkar Faced A Tough Phase In 2012
The year 2012 was not the best phase of Tendulkar’s career. In nine Test matches that year, he averaged just 23.80 and did not manage to score a single century. His numbers in ODIs were also below his usual standards, as he averaged 31.50 in 10 matches.
Because of this dip in form, the selection committee started discussing the future of the team and the possibility of bringing in younger players.
Sandeep Patil Recalls The Conversation With Tendulkar
Patil, who was heading the selection committee at that time, revealed that he spoke directly to Tendulkar about his future with the Indian team. The discussion, he said, left the batting legend surprised.
“What are your plans?” Patil had asked Tendulkar.
“He said, ‘Why?’ I told him the committee was looking for a replacement. He was shocked. He called me again – are you serious? I said yes,” revealed Patil in an interview with Vickey Lalwani.
Selectors Can Drop Players But Cannot Force Retirement
Patil also explained that selectors do not have the authority to ask a player to retire. Their responsibility is limited to picking or dropping players from the squad.
“Selectors can drop a player. Selectors cannot tell a player his career is over. We asked his plans. He said he wanted to continue. We said okay,” Patil said.
The New Generation Of Players That Emerged
Patil also mentioned that people often remember his tenure mainly because of the decision related to Tendulkar. However, he pointed out that several players who later became key figures for India were brought into the team during that time.
“I understand why people were angry. He is Sachin Tendulkar. But Shami came in. Bumrah came in. Ashwin, Jadeja, Rahane. Nobody talks about those picks. They only remember that we dropped Sachin,” Patil said.
Some of those players went on to become major stars for India, including Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Shami.
Tendulkar’s Emotional Final Match At Wankhede
Tendulkar eventually decided to call time on his international career in 2013. His final Test match came against the West Indies at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in November 2013.
The match, played in front of his home crowd in Mumbai, turned into a memorable farewell for the legendary cricketer. It marked the end of an incredible journey that inspired millions of fans and left a lasting legacy in the world of cricket.
