Is The End Near For Sachin Tendulkar?

Like with anything, all good things must come to an end eventually. Sachin Tendulkar is without a doubt the greatest batsman in the modern era and second only to Sir Don Bradman in the history of the game.

The numbers are simply amazing. 198 test matches, close to 16,000 runs, 51 centuries and not to mention a remarkable ODI career to match. But he will be 40 next month and the signs are already there that he could well be on his way out of the game. He retired from one day cricket in December to spend more time with his family and to be honest that was the right decision due to the lack of one day cricket he had been playing since the World Cup victory in 2011. His form has been poor by his very high standards, for the past couple of years.

He hasn't scored a test century since January 2011 in South Africa which was 21 test matches ago. In that time his average isn't that bad at 31.80 with 8 half centuries but the pressure of being the best tells you that isn't good enough by Sachin standards, which are enormous in all truth. Critics will say he should have retired on top after the World Cup win two years ago. He was in the form of his life during 2009 and 2010 and that was probably the best time to leave.  The difference with him now though is how he has been getting out after getting a start. He will play majestically until he reaches 20 or 30 and not capitalise which is not like the Sachin of old.

No matter what happens from now on, he will always go down in history as a true great. I believe there is no comparison between him and the likes of Lara, Sobers and Sir Viv Richards. Although these players were true greats, the numbers and impact Sachin has had on the game just don't compare. Also take into consideration the style of his game which is truly unmatchable to any player ever to play this great sport. It will be a sad day when Sachin decides to finally retire which will be sooner rather than later, but he will always be remembered as a true great of cricket and a true sporting hero.