Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar opened up about handling the immense expectations of a cricket-loving nation, emphasizing that over time, he learned to “channel the pressure into motivation” and focus on the process rather than the outcome.
Sachin was speaking with sports journalist Boria Majumdar during Season 6 of ‘Backstage with Boria’.
Turning Pressure into Motivation
Reflecting on his journey, Sachin admitted that dealing with the expectations of billions of fans was never easy. However, with experience, he discovered a way to transform that pressure into something positive.
“It was not easy (to handle expectations of billions of Indians). But over the years, I learned how to channel the pressure into motivation. The key was to stay focused on the process rather than the outcome. I would visualise my innings, break it down into smaller goals, and try not to think too far ahead. Cricket is a game of patience, and mental resilience is just as important as skill,” Sachin shared.
Life After Retirement: Staying Connected to Cricket
Since retiring from international cricket in 2013, the Master Blaster has remained deeply involved with the game. He has served as a mentor for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL and continues to play in exhibition leagues such as the Road Safety World Series and the International Masters League (IML) 2025.
Despite this, Sachin admitted that nothing compares to the thrill of walking out to bat for India.
“That feeling can never be replaced. But I am happy with where I am today. I love guiding young cricketers, sharing my experiences, and staying connected to the game in different ways,” he added.
Advice to Young Cricketers: Dream Big, Work Hard, Have Faith
Sachin also shared an inspiring message for aspiring cricketers, encouraging them to dream big but remain dedicated to hard work and perseverance.
“Dream big, but more importantly, work hard. There will be failures, there will be setbacks, but never lose faith in yourself. Keep learning, stay disciplined, and enjoy the game. Cricket has given me everything, and I hope it continues to inspire future generations,” he concluded.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Record-Breaking Career
Sachin remains the leading run-scorer in international cricket, with a staggering 34,357 runs and 100 centuries in 664 international matches. He remains the only player to have scored a century of centuries in international cricket and was an integral part of India’s historic 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning team.