“Looks like it is my last tour to England. But I don't want to put any pressure on myself because of not being able to do that (get a Lord’s ton). In Test cricket, I have not been able to do that, but in the game between MCC XI and Rest of the World, I did get one. This is the ground all players dream of getting a hundred in, I am no different and I would want to get one here," he said.
Wonderful memories
Tendulkar shared his memories about Lord's. "I have wonderful memories about this ground. I remember visiting this ground as a 14-year-old with the Star cricket team, sitting next to the sightscreen and taking a photo. As a kid, you have big dreams and one of them was playing at Lord's. It is extremely special for the dream to become a reality. There are a lot of fond memories, and I would definitely want to make the most of the outing here," he said.
Does he have any specific targets in his mind? "I don't set targets as such. I know vaguely what has to be done in a series, but I would not let that dominate my thoughts. You want to keep your mind as free as possible. Setting targets, however, is important as sitting back at home or in your hotel room, you know what to contribute to the team. In fact, I never disclose my targets. Certain things I keep to myself and not even my family knows about it. Those things motivate me to go out and do well on the field."
Enjoying it
Tendulkar said his passion for the game keeps him going even after nearly 18 years of international cricket. "I am absolutely enjoying it. That is the reason for me to walk on the cricket field. The most important thing is my love for the game. When I feel that I am no more enjoying the game, there is no reason for me to be out in the middle.”
Looking back at his career, Tendulkar said, "There are changes, obviously. Everybody wants to get better with time or at least think that he is a better player. When you play 17-18 years, you learn a lot and you experience a lot of things, they help you when you go out there. The opposition gives some particular signals and your experience helps you to handle it."
Tendulkar, the eldest statesman in the team, said team effort was what mattered in the end. "Eventually, what matters is what you do on the field. Off the field, you may have a lot of things, but on the field, we seniors have always taken the responsibility. It really does not matter who the captain is, what matter is that seniors and juniors get together and put up a good show.”