Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar today gave an insight into the grind of international cricket to the MRF Pace Foundation trainees and said hard work and dedication is the way to succeed in this tough, competitive world.
“I got to interact with them. There were few questions fired at me. To get the opportunity to share my experience with youngsters gives me lot of satisfaction. I told them to understand what international cricket is all about. As time goes by the game really gets tougher and tougher and more competitive,” Tendulkar said during a visit to the MRF Pace Foundation here.
Citing his own example, Tendulkar further told the trainees: “If you have to play for India, it is not easy. You stay there for a long time. The passion and desire to play for India was so much within me. I was madly in love with cricket and I am still madly in love with cricket. I was able to work for hours and hours and nothing could tire me out. My coach literally had to grab me out of the nets.
“On number of occasions it was really dark and we could barely see each other’s face in the darkness. You cannot figure out where the ball is pitched. But, I will be batting at the nets. These kinds of things had to be backed by right guidance and right support team. I had terrific support from my family, my friends and my coaches and that became a formidable force,” he said.
“Above all, I think if you are disciplined and visionary you can chase your dreams. For me, because everything happened at a young age perhaps I was not old enough to understand the importance of all those things. So, a big thank you to all the team that helped me in achieving my dreams and to those who helped me in reaching the position what it is today.”
He also congratulated the MRF Pace Foundation for completing 27 years and said Glenn McGrath is a “fantastic choice” to lead the prestigious academy.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate MRF Pace foundation for having shown their commitment for 27 years. 27 years is a lot of time. Having a plan and vision is one thing, but to be committed to this cause in another aspect. I think it is remarkable,” said Tendulkar.
“Lot of hours are spent on planning and execution to be able to find the right people. The first choice was terrific with Dennis Lillee at the helm. Glenn Mcgrath replacing him is simply fantastic. Both these bowlers have done incredible job for world cricket. They were heroes all across the world.