Viv Richards convinced Tendulkar not to quit cricket in 2007
Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as the GOAT. However, he too went through a phase during his career when nothing seemed to be going right for him. The idea of quitting the game crossed his mind as well, especially following India's 2007 ICC World Cup debacle. However, it was a phone call by former great Viv Richards which helped Tendulkar to change his mind.
Tendulkar endured a rough patch in 2007
While it has previously been documented that Tendulkar decided not to quit the game in 2007 following advice from his brother and mentor Ajit Tendulkar, the cricketer has hardly spoken about the role of Richards in it. Tendulkar, who could score just 64 runs in the tournament from three matches, termed it as the worst phase of his career.
Was almost 90 percent sure of quitting: Tendulkar
"I was almost 90 percent sure of quitting cricket. But, my brother told me in 2011 there is World Cup final in Mumbai, can you imagine holding that beautiful trophy in your hand?" Tendulkar recalled during the 'Salaam Cricket' ceremony in London.
A call from Viv changed everything for Tendulkar
Tendulkar revealed that while he was in his farmhouse, he got a call from Richards. Viv advised him not to quit since he had an ample amount of cricket left in him, while Tendulkar said that it was a heart-warming gesture by him. "That was the moment things changed for me and from that moment onwards I also performed much much better," Tendulkar remembered.
Richards amused by small guys being so powerful
"I have had the opportunity to play against Gavaskar. Then came Sachin, then you now have Virat. But the fact which amazed me the most is how such a small guy be so powerful," Richards said about Indian cricketers.
Tendulkar enjoyed prolific form post 2007 World Cup
Considering Tendulkar's stats post the 2007 World Cup, they have been remarkable. He scored 3,579 runs in 79 ODIs at an average of 48.36, including 19 half-centuries and eight centuries. After 2007, he played the 2011 World Cup, scoring 482 runs in nine matches, at an average of 53.55, including two centuries. He also helped India win their second World Cup
Tendulkar: The King of World Cup
Overall, Sachin made a tremendous impact in the World Cup, clubbing 2,278 runs at a strong average of 56.95, including six centuries and 15 half-centuries. Therefore, he won the World Cup in his sixth attempt, and is also the tournament's highest run-scorer to date.