'I Won't Ask Sachin To Retire'

'He's been one of my favourites and I'm more disappointed than anyone else at his failure to do well in the World Cup.'

Updated on: 28 March 2007 12:00 am

'I Won't Ask Sachin To Retire'

"It's not up to me to ask him to retire. He's been one of my favouritesand I'm more disappointed than anyone else at his failure to do well in thisWorld Cup," said Sir Viv who, by Tendulkar's own admission, has been hischildhood hero.

Tendulkar, arguably the greatest player-ever in one-day cricket, scored 7, 54and 0 from his three innings in the World Cup, where the Indian team lost toBangladesh and Sri Lanka to be thrown out of the competition in the preliminarystage itself.

In the wake of India's disastrous show, the voice has grown shriller backhome with Tendulkar's effigies being burnt; his photos being garlanded withfootwear and calls being made for him to retire.

But Sir Viv said instead of blaming any individual, it's the entire squadwhich must take the blame for the debacle.

He also believed it was wrong to blame coach Greg Chappell for India's dismalshow.

"Too many times coaches are blamed for a side's poor performance. Idon't think that's right. Players too must take the responsibility. A coach cando only so much. It's the players who have to go out in the middle andperform," he said.

Sir Viv, arguably the greatest batsman since World War II, said India andother teams in world cricket needed to learn about mental aggression andtoughness from the Aussies.

"You watch (Australian captain) Ricky Ponting from the first ball and heis there. He is making an announcement that he wants to take you on. The wayMatthew Hayden played today (against the West Indies), these guys are mentallyvery, very tough.

"Other teams need to learn from their example. It's very difficult ininternational cricket to remain mentally tough all the time. It's a very hardsport."

Sir Viv drew from the instance of his own playing days and how he wanted todominate the opposition in the park.

"I walked on to the park and it might have given the impression that Iowned the park. There could have been a fast bowler who must have thought thesame. The way I looked at it, my attitude might force the fast bowler to rethinkhis position a bit," he said.

He also showed concern on Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer's tragic death and hopedhis murder mystery would soon be solved.

"We the West Indians are concerned that as hosts this matter is quicklysolved. I hope it brings out in open all those things about the game which arenot helping its image."

PTI