‘Are you serious?’: Sachin’s reaction after BCCI selectors told him it was time to move on

Arguably the greatest batsman of all time, Sachin Tendulkar Dominated world cricket for more than two decades. But even for a legend like his, 2012 proved to be one of the most challenging phases of his extraordinary career. Just months after he realized his lifelong dream ICC Cricket World Cup In 2011, Tendulkar suddenly found himself struggling with poor form and growing questions about his future. The Indian team suffered a disastrous overseas tour in England and Australia, losing the series 0-4 in a row. Tendulkar scored 560 runs and four half-centuries in eight Tests across two tours, but failed to reach the landmark century that the cricketing world was eagerly waiting for. The pressure to achieve his 100th international hundred is getting heavier with every innings.

When Britain visited India later that year, the situation did not improve. Tendulkar’s struggles continued as the home team lost the series at home. In four Tests, he has scored just 112 runs at an average of 18.6, raising fresh concerns about his future. Around the same time, several of his old teammates also said goodbye to the game. Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Pipe Laxman All retired, leaving Tendulkar as the last pillar of India’s iconic batting generation. Many believe that the next decision could involve the man widely known as the ‘God of Cricket’. It was during this period of uncertainty that then-Chairman BCCI selection committee, Sandeep Patil decided to have a candid discussion with the 39-year-old. “I remember the last day of the 2012 Nagpur Test when we lost to England. My draft partner Rajendra Singh Hans and I went to the ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) to seek permission to meet Sachin Tendulkar. We got the coach’s permission and invited Tendulkar. As chairman, I asked him: “What are your plans?” The selection committee felt that his contribution would not be helpful to the team. The entire country turned against me, but we never gave up on him. He announced his retirement from ODIs first and then Tests,” Patil said on Vickey Lalwani’s podcast. The conversation took Tendulkar by surprise. “He was surprised, rightfully so. He said why?” I said the committee thought we needed to consider your successor, and he was shocked. He called me again and asked me, “Are you serious?” I said, yes. Later, when he decided to retire, he even called me and said, “Sandy, I’m retiring.” I felt sad that we had to make such a drastic decision. But look at the players coming in – Ajinkya Lahani“. Patil also revealed that Tendulkar initially had no intention of resigning. According to him, the batting icon made it clear after the meeting that he wanted to continue playing. However, within a week, Tendulkar announced his retirement from one-day internationals, just days before India were scheduled to play a three-match series against Pakistan. The Mumbai legend continued in Test cricket for another year, although the magical consistency that defined his career was no longer there. In India’s 4-0 win over Australia in the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Tendulkar scored 192 runs at an average of 32, with 81 being his highest score. He quit the Indian Premier League a few months later and finally announced his retirement from international cricket after the farewell Test series at home against West Indies. When his remarkable journey finally came to an end, Tendulkar left the field with over 34,000 international runs and became the first cricketer to play 200 Test matches, ending one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen.