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Crest got Sachin to take some time off and talk about his 20 years on top. What a long, strange trip it's been, is what he said...
Twenty years at the top, how beautiful and exciting has the journey been?

It has been a fantastic journey, although not every bit of it. But it has been nice to be able to play for the country for such a long time. There have been different challenges from time to time and I've dealt with it to the best of my ability. It has been a real privilege to be wearing the India cap for twenty years and I'm still enjoying the game. As a kid, I would dream of seeing myself waving a bat to the stands. I always thought that one day I would play for the country. And I am living my dream. Of course, without the support of a billion people, it wouldn't have been possible.

How have you managed to stay there for such a long time?

Cricket has been my passion and my life. I have never been away from cricket. I feel extremely proud of myself since the day I was selected to play for India. Since then, each day has been full of surprises, happy surprises on most occasions.

What have been the sacrifices that you, and people around you, had to make to survive the hard grind?

I made the choice for myself so it wasn't so tough for me. But my family didn't have the choice. My brother, Ajit, was actively involved ever since I was a kid. Then, it has been my wife, Anjali, who has been a huge pillar of strength and support. Even my kids, Sara and Arjun, have now learnt to live with their father being away playing cricket for a number of days.

Did you ever feel that you were 'out of form' in two decades?

I don't think there has been any cricketer who has never been out of form. There will be times when your feet are not moving well or your head is not right. After all, it's a body, not a machine. Every cricketer goes through the rough patches. Sometimes the mind thinks differently, on other occasions the body responds differently. I have taken these things as a challenge and dealt with them suitably.

Did you ever fear being dropped from the playing eleven?

Never! However, on my part, I have never ever taken my place in the team for granted. I have always given my best for the country. My aim always has been to strive for excellence. And I always wanted to win, even if that is not possible all the time.

How much has the game evolved? Has it got any easier?

It hasn't got easier but it has become faster for sure. The game has become much larger and it has become more competitive. Nobody wants to miss out on anything. So everything around cricket has changed in a big way. I think the response to faster cricket (T20, One-dayers ) has been greater.

Can you put the record straight about your top three Test hundreds and top three One-day innings?

In Tests, it has to be my first Test hundred (119*) at Old Trafford against England (1990), 114 at Perth against Australia (1992) and 103 against England in Chennai (2008). In the One-dayers , my hundred (138) in Colombo in the final of the Compaq Cup series (2009), then the 117* against Australia in the first final of the Tri-series (2008) and my 134 in Sharjah in the finals against Australia (1998).

Did you ever wake up with a feeling that you were bound to get a big score on that day?

Yes, there have been several occasions when I just felt fantastic. I don't know why and how but I just felt great and have done well on that particular day.

What would be your advice to youngsters?

Chase your dreams! As a kid, be passionate about what you want to be and work hard towards achieving that goal.

One last question, where does Sachin Tendulkar go from here?

To the ground, we have a practice session. I think, I'm batting well and enjoying my game. Every morning I just can't wait to get out on the park.

Sachin, for the record

Date of birth: April 24, 1973, Mumbai.

Early interest: Table tennis and volleyball

Debut: vs.Pakistan in Karachi Test, Nov 15, 1989

First major performance: Match-saving 119 not out off 189 balls against England in Old Trafford Test, 1990.

Big award: Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1997; Padma Vibhushan 2008;

Conferred Khel Ratna: 1998

Reached No 1 ranking: ODIs: Feb 20, 1996; Tests: Nov 18, 1994

Test record at different time intervals:
After five years: 2,023 runs (avg. 50.58) & 7 centuries in 32 Tests
After ten years: 5,612 runs (avg. 56.69) & 21 centuries in 71 Tests
After fifteen years: 9,540 runs (avg. 56.45) & 33 centuries in 116 Tests
As on date: Tests: 159; 12,773 runs (avg. 54.58) & 42 centuries; 44 wickets.
ODIs: 428; 16,895 runs (ave.44.57) & 44 centuries; 154 wickets