Sachin Tendulkar must discuss future with selectors, say India greats

Sachin Tendulkar, the idol of Indian cricket for 20 years, is under increasing pressure to retire.

His position in the side after a dreadful run of form is the topic of national debate after the defeat to England in the Second Test which has stunned the country.

The selectors have retained Tendulkar for the third match in the series which starts in Kolkata next Wednesday but advice about his future is pouring in from all quarters.

Tendulkar, 39, who has scored only 274 runs in 12 Test innings this year, is unofficially reported to have told the panel that they must decide whether to drop him.

But that would be a virtually impossible call to make for a new bunch of selectors considering Tendulkar’s iconic status. Although he spends large parts of the year in London and practises at Lord’s, he is the ultimate sporting hero in India.

Former captains have been careful not to call for him to quit but they recognise the delicacy of the problem. Kapil Dev, who led India to their first World Cup win in 1983, said: “Either selectors should speak to him or Sachin himself should have a word with them.”

And Sunil Gavaskar, who led India in 47 Tests, also called for the selectors to have a word with Tendulkar about his future.

“Ideally, whatever decision is taken about his retirement I believe he will make his own decision,” said Gavaskar, hedging his opinion.