SPORTS
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni Wednesday had a special advice for his team mates who want to do something special for Sachin Tendulkar, who plays his 200th and farewell Test against the West Indies beginning here Thursday -- keep it simple.
"As far as the team is concerned, we'd like to keep it simple. That would be a big thing. Everyone wants to do something special, if we can keep it simple, that itself would be special. If someone does something simple when everyone else is trying special, that's good. We have a few things in our mind, but I think cricket is very important first and foremost. We're going to concentrate on it and enjoy it," said Dhoni on the eve of the match at the Wankhede Stadium.
Dhoni said it was important for Tendulkar to enjoy his swansong.
"I'd like him to enjoy, because you can't guarantee performance. Of course, you can say (hope he gets) a hundred, a double hundred, a triple hundred or 500, whatever. But at the end of the day the most important moment is that it is his last Test match. It's important that he enjoys this and hopefully gets us a few wickets ... You can get a bit of turn and bounce on this Mumbai wicket," said Dhoni.
Asked if there has been a change in Tendulkar's body language, Dhoni said: "His body language has been exactly the same as it was in the last match, or vs Australia (in the last Test series)."
With both the Indian cricket board and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) planning their own felicitation ceremonies, Dhoni said the team was trying to stay focussed.
"As I said in the last match also we're treating it as normal as possible. Of course, there are plenty of things that are going around, so we've kept the focus and the drive. They're enjoying the moment, which I feel is the key, but at the same time we're focussed," he said.
Dhoni was also surprised with the hype surrounding the match.
"I think it's in the cricketing history ... this has never happened in the past, let alone the 8-10 years that I've been around," he said.
But he doesn't see hype as a distraction.
"It's too late to ask whether it's a distraction or not because whatever has happened has happened. I think it's a big part and parcel of the game. It's a big historic moment, and people are trying to do whatever they can, and we don't really mind that," said Dhoni.
The India captain said he was fortunate to play alongwith Tendulkar for 10 years.
"I never thought that I'd get to play with him, and if I've played eight-ten years with him, I'm very fortunate. He's guided the youngsters very well, showed them how to lead life after you become successful, and at the same time how you're supposed to prepare. So I think he's been fantastic and we've learnt a lot from him."
Dhoni also refused to disclose if he would allow Tendulkar to lead the side like he did five years ago during Sourav Ganguly's farewell Test.
"You'll have to wait and watch five days, I want you to concentrate," he said.
Paying rich tribute to Tendulkar, Dhoni said: "As far as Sachin is concerned, I would consider him as great because when it comes to Indian cricket, you're under the microscope throughout. It's not only the cricketing aspect; I think what's difficult is to handle things in India more than how to handle the success, the expectations of the people. We're expected to win each and every game, which is not possible.
"Yes, there are other greats, but there was one thing they didn't have to deal with, and that's the level of expectations. When you're doing well that itself puts pressure on you. But imagine when you're going through a lean patch, the expectations go up, they never come down."
‘All I do is…’: After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral
World Diabetes Day 2024: Types, causes, precaution to avoid this chronic disease
Children's Day 2024: 50 WhatsApp wishes, messages, quotes to share on bal diwas
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st T20I live in India?
IND vs SA: Ramandeep Singh achieves THIS feat on T20I debut, joins Suryakumar Yadav in elite list
Meet man who used to earn just Rs 65, now heads Rs 23416 crore company, he is…
DNA TV Show: Arsh Dalla, Khalistani terrorist, arrested in Canada
Pushpa 2 first review: Rashmika Mandanna says Allu Arjun movie is 'freaking amazing'
SA vs IND: Tilak Varma scripts history with maiden century in 3rd T20I against South Africa
Delhi becomes world's most polluted city, overtakes Pakistan's Lahore, AQI recorded at...
Last Supermoon of 2024: Know when and how to watch it and other details here
Noida man arrested for creating ‘cannabis nursery’ inside house after being inspired by…
Actor John Krasinski named 'Sexiest Man Alive 2024' by People magazine
Meet outsider who worked in bank for eight years, became OTT star, will now star opposite Kajol in..
What is wedding invitation scam, how to protect yourself from it?
Arjun Tendulkar achieves rare feat which father Sachin Tendulkar never did in his 25-year career
Mukesh Ambani suffers Rs 12548 crore loss after buying Star from Disney, here's how
Ananya Panday sets Instagram on fire in sizzling bikini; BFF Suhana Khan, mom Bhavana Pandey react
International Trade Fair 2024 in Delhi from Nov 14: Know ticket price, timings, venue and more
SA vs IND: Varun Chakravarthy eyes Ravichandran Ashwin's all-time India record in T20Is
This govt company sold Rs 28880000000 shares of Ratan Tata firm, reduces its holding to...
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI hits 'Severe' category, record high in India today with 418
Tesla CEO Elon Musk spreading misinformation on X? His own AI model says...
Independent candidate slaps SDM outside booth during Rajasthan bypolls, watch video here
Viral video: Vistara crew bids emotional farewell on last flight before merger with Air India, watch
NBR Group Redefines Luxury Living With New Brand Identity, Tagline, and Logo
Resham Kamboj: Empowering Souls and Financial Freedom Through Spiritual Mentorship
NTPC Green Energy Rs 10000 crore IPO: Check subscription date, price band, lot size and more
India’s first hydrogen train to start trials soon: Check route, features, top speed to be…
Tejasvi Jaiswal's selfless sacrifice for brother Yashasvi Jaiswal rewarded with life's greatest gift
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani to shut down these outlets under Reliance Retail due to...
Watch viral video: This MP stole Bill and ran away with intention to...
US comedian's hilarious imitation of Donald Trump goes viral, watch video here
Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: CSK legend MS Dhoni and wife Sakshi cast vote in Ranchi - Watch
LoP Rahul Gandhi rides Kerala's longest zipline in Wayanad to boost tourism after landslides; watch
Nita Ambani stuns in floral ensemble as she poses with Anupam Kher at NMACC
Anil Ambani's company makes HUGE profit in 3 months, market cap now reaches Rs...
Is Space Travel Safe: Surprising ways Space affects human body
Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif lost this blockbuster franchise of Rs 600 crore, were replaced by...
'Can't believe...': Woman dresses up as ghost in viral video, here's what happened next, WATCH
HURRY UP! Coldplay announces fourth show in Ahmedabad, tickets to go on sale from...
Chhath Puja turns scary! Venomous snake turns towards woman performing rituals, then…
Meet man who left college at 18, earned Rs 1200 crore at 20, is CEO now, has net worth of Rs...
Radhika Merchant changes name, shares thoughts on work and marriage
Renewable Energy: Power generation expert Shahroz Anjum leads way in solar optimisation