Tendulkar has the right to retire when he chooses, but should do it soon

Former Australian cricketer and team Pakistan’s ex-coach, Geoff Lawson, has claimed that while it is up to Sachin Tendulkar to decide when to retire, it would be prudent to make the decision soon, in order to silence critics.

The eager anticipation for Tendulkar’s 100th century, a unique batting record, has fizzled out and been replaced with disappointment, as the opener has repeatedly failed to reach triple digits in his recent matches. His last ton (111) was scored against South Africa in the 2011 World Cup, after which the veteran batsman has fallen into a stubborn batting slump, which saw him posting dismal scores such as 2, 15, and 3 during the Commonwealth Bank series Down Under.

As his last century begins to seem farther and farther away, calls for the 38-year-old’s retirement begin to grow. Lawson is of the view that while Tendulkar has earned the right to choose when to bring his career to an end, it would be wise to announce his retirement soon.

“He is one of the greatest players of all-time and he has gained the respect that he can take his own decision, but if he waits too long someone (like Kapil Dev) would not like it.”

Former Indian captain, Kapil Dev, has been particularly vocal about how Tendulkar ought to have retired from the game in good grace after last year’s World Cup. However, Lawson has adopted a more balanced outlook, suggesting that while Tendulkar still seems in good form for Test matches, which he ought to continue playing, the problem lies in the motives behind the continuation of his ODI career, which seem selfish.

“In Tests (in Australia), I thought he played the second best after (Virat) Kohli ... Looked to me he (Tendulkar) was in pretty good form in the Tests,” he said. “But I wonder whether he is playing the one-dayers for the right reason? ... Is he playing for the 100th hundred or for India?"

Despite his brilliant track record, which includes the top spot on the records for most runs in both Tests and ODIs, his highest score in the Test series against the Aussies earlier this year was a respectable 80, while 48 remained his best in the tri-series that followed.

While debates about his career continue to rage, the Little Master has been selected for India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which is due to kick off on March 11 in Bangladesh, where he will have yet another chance to reach the landmark 100th hundred.