Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Tendulkar wants to light up villages in his next innings

December 28, 2014 21:57 IST

He recently adopted the Puttamraju Kandrika village in Andhra Pradesh

Looking for "satisfaction" after retirement, Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar says he plans to light up lives in villages where electricity remains a distant dream even to this day.

The former batsman, who is a Rajya Sabha MP as well, said he is aiming to ensure that villages get access to electricity.

"My second innings is more about satisfaction. Many villages don't have electricity and life there comes to a standstill after sunset. This is one thing I want to change," Tendulkar told Star Sports.

It is going to require a lot of support and I hope I get it from everyone," said the celebrated player, who recently adopted the Puttamraju Kandrika village in Andhra Pradesh as part of a government initiative.

On to cricket and Tendulkar offered an insight into how tough it is playing in Australia, where the national team is currently playing a Test series.

"It (Australia) will make your life difficult. The players, media, groundsmen, everyone will make your life difficult but if you do well they are the first to stand up and applaud you. That's what I like about them," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar played six World Cups and was part of the champion team which lifted the trophy in 2011. Speaking of the upcoming edition in Australia and New Zealand, Tendulkar said he would enjoy from the sidelines this time.

"I don't like to coach when I am not playing but I will be watching. I strongly believe that we have a very good chance. We just have to focus on process, the result will take care of itself," he said.

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.