Sachin Tendulkar said he does not have one eye on challenging Brian Lara's Test cricket record just days after breaking the one-day international (ODI) mark. Tendulkar finished 200 not out against South Africa, the first double-century in the one-day format, as India won the second ODI in Gwalior. He now stands third in the one-day rankings. The 36-year-old brushed aside suggestions he might now go after Lara's world record of 400 not out in Test cricket.
"No, not right now," Tendulkar said ahead of his side's third and final ODI against India in Ahmedabad tomorrow, in which the visitors hold a 2-0 lead. "But then, I don't play for records. I play for the thrill of it and because of a passion for the game. The records have merely happened along the way." VVS Laxman, however, hopes to see his teammate break Lara's record. "The 200 in Gwalior is a benchmark for others to follow," Laxman said. "There will be a lot of players who believe they too can make 200 in an ODI.
"But I can tell you only special players can achieve the feat. Tendulkar's love for the game is unmatched. Now, I guess only Lara's 400 is left for Sachin to surpass. I would be really happy if Sachin goes past 400 in Tests. It'll be nice if he breaks Lara's record." Tendulkar's feat brought accolades pouring from the cricketing fraternity around the globe as well as India's political leaders. In Delhi, members of parliament paid rich tribute to Tendulkar with speaker of the Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar, reading out a congratulatory message at the start of the session amid much desk thumping from the members.
There will be no record for Tendlukar on Saturday, however. He and fellow batsman Virender Sehwag will be rested for the third and final one-day game against South Africa in Ahmedabad. * With agencies
