Sachin Tendulkar shares words of wisdom after getting Lifetime Achievement Award
Xtra Time Web Desk: Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar delivered a heartfelt and insightful speech at the Naman Awards in Mumbai on February 1, where he was honored with the prestigious Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Addressing the gathering, Tendulkar shared invaluable advice for young cricketers, urging them to stay focused on their game despite external distractions.
At a time when Indian cricket is undergoing a transitional phase, Tendulkar reminded the players of their humble beginnings and stressed the importance of remaining grounded even after achieving success. He emphasized that cricket had given them everything and that they must respect the game to sustain their careers.
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"I would say, without cricket, all of us wouldn't be sitting in this room. For me, it has been the ultimate gift of my life. We have bat and ball, and if there is no solid grip over that, or you start losing grip over the bat and ball, you kind of slowly start losing grip over your career also," said Tendulkar at the event.
The former India captain acknowledged that he wasn't in a position to dictate terms to the younger generation but urged them to stay committed to the game. "I should not be giving you advice and saying 'stay focused' or whatever, but there'll be distractions. Don't let them disrupt your career. Value everything that we have and look after your game," he added.
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Tendulkar’s remarks come amid a period of turbulence in Indian cricket, particularly following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, which saw reports of dressing room conflicts and speculation over internal rifts. Midway through the series, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement, and rumors circulated about certain players positioning themselves as leaders in the squad.
Despite off-field tensions, the Naman Awards ceremony reflected unity, as players including Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues engaged in light-hearted moments on stage. A total of 26 awards were presented, with Jasprit Bumrah winning International Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Ravichandran Ashwin receiving the Special Honour Award.
The evening belonged to Tendulkar, whose words of wisdom served as a reminder of the values that define the game.
