Tendulkar asks to Understand their body conditions first

Contradicting MS Dhoni's views, Sachin Tendulkar said IPL parties can not be blamed for India's debacle in the ICC World T20.

India could not reach the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup and skipper Dhoni said late night parties and continuous travelling during the Indian Premier League took a toll on the players' body.

Tendulkar, however, begged to differ and said every player should be aware of their responsibilities.
"Parties and performance are two different things that cannot be related and every player should know his responsibility," Tendulkar told reporters after laying foundation stone of an extension of Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital here.

Besides, Tendulkar said parties are not new in cricket.

"Parties used to be held even in the past," he said, laying stress on observing individual's discretion in the matter.

Tendulkar, who led Mumbai Indians to the final of IPL III, said he avoided the parties since he wanted to be fresh for the next day's match.

"I did not go for any of the IPL parties. I always wanted to be ready for the next match," he said.

Tendulkar said every player should know how his body reacts and follow certain things to carry out his duties and responsibilities.

Arguably the greatest batsman ever, Tendulkar said it was important to "understand your body" and strike a balance between play and rest.

Tendulkar also stressed on the importance of physical fitness and mental toughness which helped him to have a prolonged successful career in International cricket.

"Physical fitness helps you in being mentally tough, enhancing you confidence level," the 37-year-old said.

"When pressure builds up in the game I try to focus on the next ball with calmness without thinking of the future course of the match.
"My mood undergoes a change before every match as I start mentally preparing myself for the game," he added.

Asked if he would want his son Arjun to take up the sport, Tendulkar said he would never force him and it would be his own choice.

"It is love and passion for the game that counts. Arjun has a complete freedom to make his choices," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar has been participating in various charity programmes of late and he said he was doing it for his own satisfaction.

"I have been supporting charities for the last 15 years.

I do it not for publicity but for my own satisfaction," he said.

Earlier, melody queen Lata Mangeshkar who has set up the hospital in the memory of her father, said Sachin deserved not just 'Bharatratna' but 'Vishwaratna' as he was a global icon.

Asked to comment on the remark, Tendulkar simply said, "Her blessings mean a lot for me".