Do you think the time was right for Sachin to retire?
That is not for me to answer. It does however appear that he is retiring on his own terms, which for a player of his stature is very important.
What facet of Tendulkar's batting or personality impressed you the most?
His mental ability to handle the massive expectation placed on every innings.
As a coach what was it like for you to work with Sachin?
An absolute privilege. He loved practice and he was always looking for ways to improve. He had a clear strategy for every opposition bowler and he would work tirelessly in the nets to perfect that strategy before matches. He understood his technique better than any other player I have worked with.
As a coach did you ever seek Sachin's advice?
Of course, he was good at sharing information and never did it in a forceful way. He was very respectful of whatever decisions the leadership of the team would take, regardless of whether he thought it was right or wrong. We always knew we had his full support.
You helped him rediscover his touch during your tenure. What was the secret behind that?
I believe he began to really enjoy his cricket again. In my opinion it was something he had lost. During that period, he really focused on what he could do to make us a better team. This resulted in some fantastic individual performances at a time when the team needed it the most.
Was Sachin any different when he was getting runs & when he wasn't?
Absolutely not, his work ethic and preparation remained the same regardless of how he performed. In fact, I think he worked harder on his game when he was doing well.
Sachin wanted to win the 2011 World Cup desperately. Do you think that acted as the biggest motivating factor?
I certainly think it helped but Sachin was always the first to keep us focused on what we wanted to achieve as a team.
Do you think Sachin's preparation for his last series will be any different?
His preparation will be no different to what it has always been. I think that is the only way he knows.
What according to you helped Sachin live up to the expectations of a cricket crazy nation for 24 years?
His ability not to get ahead of himself. He has remained humble, focused and has a love for the game like no one else I have come across. Because of this, he has not taken anything the game has given him for granted.
What have you learnt from Sachin?
That you can be an exceptionally decent human being and still be the best in the world. This in my opinion has been his greatest legacy.
Which is your favourite Sachin innings?
There are many but his 100 against England in 2008 at Chennai when we were in trouble in difficult batting conditions, really, in my opinion, set him apart. We went on to win the Test match which seemed highly unlikely for four days.
How do you want Sachin to sign off from international cricket?
How many runs he scores in his last Test innings is irrelevant. The game is greater because of Sachin Tendulkar.
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