When Sachin met Tendulkar in rainbow nation

DLF Indian Premier League
When Sachin met Tendulkar in rainbow nation

EAST LONDON: Sachin Tendulkar is a household name in India. But chances are, everywhere he travels, he comes across a Sachin named after him.


During India’s tour of New Zealand, Tendulkar met a seven-year-old from Christchurch – Sachin Austin named after him. Cut to the rainbow nation. During the on-going DLF Indian Premier League in South Africa, Tendulkar has found another Sachin. A South African kid who is just six will became a star in just a day’s time.


The kid’s name is Sachin Murali which is named after the Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar. An avid cricket fan, he follows his idol whenever he takes field and is busy hitting the bowlers world over. Vimla and Yogi Murali, his proud parents, have an Indian ancestry and are the diehard Sachin Tendulkar;s fans.


So, they named their son Sachin.


“It was during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup when I was expecting Sachin,“ says South African Police Superintendent Vimla Murali. “It was March 28 and Tendulkar was playing well in the tournament. Then we discussed on what name the baby should be given. We knew it is a boy. My two other sons and I said in unison – Sachin.


“It is such a nice name. He is such a great man. I may seem as a traitor to South Africa by saying that when it comes to Sachin and cricket – I support India. It was an ideal name to chose for my son,” she says. “Sachin Tendulkar is worshipped all over the world. And it is an honour to have his name. His name stands for honesty and purity.


“I am an ardent cricket fan. And thankfully I am involved in the security for the Indian Premier League. So, I got an opportunity to get my son meet Sachin Tendulkar,” she says.


On whether her husband supported the decision, she says: “It was a mutual decision. Yogi smiled when I first suggested this name. He asked me if I was sure about the name but me and my other two sons – Mahesh and Shakeel – were unanimous in our decision.”


Sachin Murali got a chance to take Sachin Tendulkar’s autograph during on the matches here when Mumbai Indians took on Kolkata Knight Riders. “I am happy to have got this autograph and I am proud to have his name. I want to be a cricketer when I grow up,” is all he says, his mother prompting a bit. “I also like him when he bowls. But the best thing is his batting.”


On being asked whether he would like to play for South Africa or India, he said: “I will play for South Africa. I also like Graeme Smith. He is my captain.”