19 May,2026 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sachin Tendulkar (File Pic)
Former Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar urged students at Ahmedabad's SRT10 Altevol Centre of Excellence cricket academy to prioritise discipline and preparation over taking shortcuts.
Addressing young cricketers at an event at the academy, Tendulkar said that while success is never guaranteed, preparation, discipline and focus are always within a player's control.
"What I am trying to tell all the children here is that if you go to play every time, you won't be successful. But every time, you can prepare and go. Success is never guaranteed. But your preparation and your discipline, focus, all these things, as we say, to tick all those boxes, are in your hands. Talent, I believe, is God-given. But what you do with that talent is in your hands," Sachin Tendulkar said, addressing the children.
Tendulkar stressed that there are no shortcuts to succeeding at the highest level and said aspiring cricketers must be ready to make sacrifices if they want to represent India. He added that taking shortcuts in cricket eventually gets exposed because the game is played in front of the world.
"You have to sacrifice many things. If you want to play for India, then you will have to do certain things. There are no shortcuts. But if you take a shortcut, you will be exposed to the whole world. Because cricket is always played on the field in front of everyone. So don't take shortcuts," he added.
Tendulkar also said that failure is an essential part of learning and advised parents not to put undue pressure on their children. The legendary batter added that ups and downs are a natural part of the game, but patience, guidance and intent remain the most important factors.
"I want the parents to make a promise to me that you will not pressurise your children. Failure is a foundation. So long as you are patiently teaching them and explaining to them what should happen. The intent is important. Every batter gets out, and every bowler goes for runs. That is normal," Sachin Tendulkar added.
(With ANI inputs)
