Sachin Tendulkar said that he does not intend to retire anytime soon no matter what the critics have to say.
"I feel that when I retire is something that I would decide because when I started was not decided by someone else. Those who are advising me about retirement did not bring me in the team.
"I get my strength from my coaches and family. When I feel I don't have that, on that day, I will think of retirement. I feel those who say you should retire at the top are selfish because when you are at the top, you should serve the country instead of retiring," he said.
Tendulkar does not want to predict whether his seemingly unconquerable record of 100 international centuries would ever be broken, but hopes that as and when it happens, the feat is accomplished by a fellow Indian."I don't know. I guess all the records are meant to be broken but I hope it's an Indian. I don't think you can predict that (whether it will be surpassed) but I hope it's an Indian whenever it happens," Tendulkar, who reached the milestone during the recent Asia Cup, told reporters.
For a player who has virtually every batting record that is there to be taken, Tendulkar said the biggest compliment for him was when the legendary Sir Don Bradman included him in his all-time Test XI.
"I think the best compliment was from Sir Don Bradman when he announced his all-time Test XI and I was part of that squad. That would be the best compliment," he said.
Talking about his journey so far, Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in both Tests and one-dayers, said his late father Ramesh Tendulkar was his idol growing up.
When asked about India's early exit from the Asia Cup, Tendulkar said credit should also go to the rivals who played better than them.The diminutive right-hander said he does not have to prove anything now and would continue as long as he enjoys the game.
Source:HindustanTimes
