WHAT TIME IS A GOOD TIME?

In the last few days, we all have seen, heard and read a lot of debate over whether Sachin should retire now. And Sachin being the most iconic cricketer India has ever produced, there are very extreme views and reactions posted by many against those calling for his retirement.

Trust me, I am as ardent a fan of Sachin as you or any other Indian can be. Sachin is very dear to us and has delighted us for 23 years. But the time has come to state the bitter truth. If we think dispassionately - which most of us are not - Sachin is clearly past his prime. Age is not on his side and his footwork and reflexes have considerably slowed down. It pains to see the greatest batsman repeatedly struggle big time for every run - even against lesser bowlers - and barely managing to survive through his very brief innings. Lets us admit that we are not going to see a repeat of the Sachin of the 1990s and 2000s. May be in one or two innings, but not on a regular basis. See what Ricky Ponting said while announcing his retirement in a press conference...

"Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn't been good enough. My passion and love for the game hasn't changed but at the end of the day the decision was based on my results. In this series so far they (his results) have not been up to the level required of batsmen and players in the Australian team. I'm glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms."

If Ponting had not announced his retirement, he could easily have played on for 1-2 more series and probably scored 1-2 centuries. But he decided not to drag his career when he was not performing at his best. He was probably pained by a string of performances below his own very high quality standards. The ease with he scored runs in his prime was now substituted by struggles which he could not accept and decided to call it a day. Now the question is whether Sachin's quality standards are not as high as Ponting's or whether Sachin's optimism is way too higher? Or is it something to do with the materialistic aspects of being a cricket icon?

Ideally Sachin should have retired after the World Cup 2011, at least from ODIs. That way he could have conserved himself for Tests. Neither the selectors nor BCCI can ever broach with Sachin the subject of retirement. Dhoni cannot think of doing what he is rumoured to have done to Laxman.

I feel he should not retire after a string of failures when people would be more sympathetic about his recent failures than being proud of his brilliant career. Any delay in the announcement hoping for a big knock to sign off may prove disastrous to his iconic stature and possibly even be against the team's interest, if it doesn't come off soon. Remember the long and agonizing wait for the 100th century? I feel he should right away announce a particular forthcoming series at the end of which he would retire. That will serve the following objectives:

1. The critics' calls for his retirement will immediately stop;
2. Sachin's last few appearances will ensure full houses; 
3. If he is not able to post big scores in these matches, his exit won't be linked to age catching up, poor form, slowing footwork, fading reflexes, etc.

Former England cricketer Patsy Hendren, who played 51 tests between 1920 and 1935, had famously said that one should retire when he's still good enough to play on. “Why now?” is what people should ask, and not “Why not now?” when you announce your retirement. Indian opener Vijay Merchant followed that dictum and retired from Tests after a last innings effort of 154 against England at Delhi in November 1951, aged 40. I am sure Sachin must be thinking about this dilemma for quite some time and is trying to find out the answers. But often one's judgment gets clouded while taking decision about self. Hope that's not the case with Sachin.