If you thought newly-appointed India coach Greg Chappell had said something wrong about Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, you were mistaken. On Monday, former India players came out in support of the ace Aussie's comments.
Speaking to Australian daily The Sun Herald, Chappell doubted whether Tendulkar could return to the dizzy heights of the past, but promised that he would help the little master get back on track.
"I don't think he's ever going to be the player he was. You change. You're a different person in your 30s compared to when you're an 18-year-old. You just have to learn to play accordingly," Chappell, who replaced New Zealander John Wright as India's coach, said.
Former India batsman and coach Anshuman Gaekwad came to Chappell's defence, saying his statement was a "little misunderstood".
"Age is the base factor to Greg Chappell's comments. Your reflexes are bound to slow down by age and the energy level is not the same. Taking this into consideration what Chappell says is absolutely true," he added.
Gaekwad, who was coach of the Indian team in the 1998-99 season before being recalled to manage the side during the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy, said it is essential for Tendulkar to switch on and off at the right moment. In trying to give more than 100 per cent all the time, he felt, Tendulkar tends to over-involve himself in the game.
"He likes to take responsibility. He is aware that he needs to contribute to the team. That may have slowed him down a bit. Also, he is a perfectionist. Even if he has scored a hundred, he'd be disappointed if he hasn't done it the way he wanted to. I think all this is starting to have an effect on him," he said.
Ajit Wadekar, one of India's most successful captains, also agreed with Chappell's assessment and echoed Gaekwad's observations.
"You cannot be the same batsman all your life," said Wadekar. "Tendulkar is a legendary batsman and has been a guiding force for many, but you cannot deny that he has slowed down over time."
Wadekar added that age has also brought along added responsibility.
"He has definitely cut down a few strokes to play more responsibly. He knows he needs to curb his instincts and not play false shots so that he doesn't upset the balance of the side or the match."
Former India stumper Chandrakant Pandit said "there is no point comparing Tendulkar at 19 to Tendulkar at 32".
"As you start gathering experience you play according to the situation and don't always go for your shots all the time.
"Every player is different at different points in his career. Tendulkar is now grown on to become a fatherly figure in this Indian team. He knows he needs to bat responsibly and has left taking risks to youngsters like Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh."
Former India keeper Nayan Mongia's take was no different.
"You cannot be the same player all along. Everyone changes and that includes Tendulkar too."
Mongia, who played 44 Tests and 140 ODIs, feels Tendulkar is playing according to the needs of the team, and nobody should have a problem with it.
"When you are young, you are fearless; but as you grow old, you mature and your game changes. Plus, being a senior member in the team you also have more responsibilities on your shoulders.
"Tendulkar's batting nowadays depends on the needs of the team and the situation of the match."
Mongia also felt Chappell as coach is a good choice.
"He is a legend of world cricket, but I must add that I would have been happy had an Indian taken over," the 35-year-old added.
