Hoping for a Tendulkar hundred

Former India cricketers and administrators are "hoping and praying" that Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut in international cricket at the age of 16, scores a century in his 100th Test, when India meet England in the fourth and final match of the series, at The Oval on September 5.

Tendulkar's childhood friend and former India batsman Vinod Kambli prayed at the Siddhivinayak temple for his buddy before leaving for Cape Town last Friday, to represent Boland Club.

"I am going to miss watching Sachin playing his 100th Test match. I have never missed any of his 30 centuries in person or on television. I sincerely hope he gets a century," Kambli said.

"Our passion for the game is common. Sachin is still playing and the game reveals his passion. In my case, I am still hoping to play for the country again," he added.

Sachin's elder brother, Ajit, who was instrumental in shaping the maestro's career, said: "Obviously we are delighted and proud of his achievements. He has done reasonably well for the country and we are thankful for that.

"I hope he carries on in the same fashion in future as well and give enjoyment to millions of his fans around the world."

Selection committee chairman and former Test all-rounder, Chandu Borde says it will be a "fantastic feat by the little master" if he gets a century in his 100th Test.

"There is no doubt about the ability of the genius and I hope he gets a well-deserved century on his 100th Test match. Every innings you watch him play, he gives an impression that batting in the middle is child's play," Borde said.

"I admire the way he concentrates and the last two innings in England where he got a 90-plus and 193 shows that he is in very good nick; I am sure we can expect a three-figure score in the next Test.

"At the age of 29 he has proved he will not only break records but create many for others to try and break them. I feel if he continues in the same form he will end up with 25,000 Test runs before he retires," Borde added.

Former captain G S Ramchand also feels it will be a tremendous achievement. "Because many players cannot even think of playing in 100 Tests in their lifetime but this gentleman is all set play his 100th Test at the age of 29," he says.

"I sincerely hope he gets a big hundred and helps India wrap-up the series. He still has six to seven years in Test cricket and I hope he gets many more tons."

Ramchand said he would have been happier if Tendulkar had played his 100th Test at the Wankhede stadium and not away from home.

"However, that should not dampen the spirit of his fans as 100 Tests anywhere is a big milestone and I am sure everybody will be expecting something special from the little master."

Mumbai Cricket Association joint-secretary Prof Ratnakar Shetty, who has been following Tendulkar's progress since he was a schoolboy, said: "It is a great moment for all of us as Sachin becomes the third and the youngest player from Mumbai to play in 100 Tests, the other two being Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar.

"He has lived up to his reputation. I only hope he continues for many more years, as he is just 29, and brings joy and pleasure to millions of his fans for years to come."

He added: "In the last two innings he has shown his critics that he would rather have his bat talk, and I would not be surprised if he comes up with a special hundred in his hundredth Test match.

"What is sad is that he is playing his 100th Test abroad as I would have been happy if he had played his 100th Test at the Wankhede stadium, like Dilip Vengsarkar did. However, we are planning a big celebration for him for his 101st Test match against the touring West Indies side."

Mail Cricket Editor