Sachin, a Khel Ratna awardee, was nominated to the Upper House of the Parliament in April last year under Article 80 of the Constitution. He made his Rajya Sabha 'debut' this year on the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.
Article 80 provides allowance to make available to the Rajya Sabha the services of people who have distinguished themselves in various fields but are unwilling to test turbulent political waters.
It is a role which, at least on paper, suits the Maestro, who has always stayed away from controversies during his glittering cricket career.
But what are his chances of succeeding in a fractured and corrupt political environment? What can he possibly do to further the cause of Indian sports, an activity looked down upon as a pastime for power-hungry politicians rather than something which can both build and bind the nation? A lot, it would seem.
Much like his batting technique, Sachin is a very balanced individual - a rare quality in this time and age.
Fame and success rest easy on him. The way he has led himself on the field and off it indicates that his opinions are likely to be measured and circumspect, not outrageous or flamboyant.
A man with intrinsic intelligence, Sachin has seen Indian sport in general and cricket, in particular, inside out.
As his career unfolded since 1989, the game itself underwent tectonic changes giving him rare insight into its machinations and a bird's eye view of the powers and pulls of those who run it.
Sachin was the cynosure of all eyes on his very first day in the Rajya Sabha. During a 10-minute adjournment due to the Telengana and Bodoland agitations, MPs lined up to shake hands with him.
It is a pointer to his appeal, which could cut through party lines and allow some much-needed legislations.
That Sachin too is thinking on those lines is clear. In his very short stint as a Parliamentarian - cricketing commitments have affected his attendance - Sachin has already shown what he stands for.
He gave up the offer of a government bungalow at Lutyens' Delhi and has already proposed a four-point roadmap for Indian sports, which he submitted to Union human resource development minister Kapil Sibal and then sports minister Ajay Maken last year.
Sachin has expressed his desire to work closely with the government to integrate sports into the education system and has sought a complete overhaul of the infrastructure at the university and college levels.
As Derek O'Brien, MP and Chief Whip of Trinamool Congress in Rajya Sabha, put it: "Champions know what it takes to excel. Champions set high benchmarks for themselves. Champions like winning. Tendulkar is a true champion... So there is every reason to believe he will pursue his Rajya Sabha innings with the passion of a champion..."
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