There is nothing inevitable about a man staying disciplined for a lifetime, embracing sacrifice, honouring his nation, staying true to his talent. There is nothing inevitable to a 16-year-old boy becoming the highest century maker of his time. There is nothing inevitable to greatness, for it is both gift and burden, it is built painstakingly day after day. Every century is a test of character, an advertisement of desire, a proof of sacrifice. This man has done well.
Too much and too long we go on about Tendulkar's batting style these days, should he play demonically or austerely, a debate hurled back and forth with no finish line in sight, but it's not this minor matter that has changed that is relevant, but what has stayed mostly unchanged. Him.
India is not what it was since Tendulkar took his initial Test stance. Political parties have changed places, new states have sprung up, riots have asked questions of our values, a middle-class has grown wealthy, war and peace has been found with Pakistan, nature and man have had their cruel say. It is an India unrecognisable from 1989. But he is the same. He is an adult, he is a father, he is a husband, of course, but he is still unspoilt, still honourable, still self-effacing. He is an advertisement for the best in sport.
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