Being Sachin Tendulkar

Fifteen months ago, post Sachin Tendulkar's epic 200* against South Africa at Gwalior, I wrote an article on how Sachin Tendulkar could be an underdog for the expectations the 1 billion people have from him. Fifteen months hence, after he has accomplished bigger tasks in international cricket, 50 test match centuries, 99 international centuries, World Cup winners' medal, brownwash of the Australians; he still must bow down to the infinite expectations of his fans (and detractors). People call him 'God'. I must know, could even the 'almighty God' live up to the expectations we have from him? 
Everything Tendulkar does, he faces criticism. Scores two hundreds against England & South Africa in the World Cup, India fails to win either of the two matches. Resultant verdict: If Sachin Tendulkar scores a hundred, India won't win the match. How much more hurtful could a comment get? 20+ years of serving the team, 30000+ international runs add 200 odd catches 199 wickets. Young turn Virat Kohli summed up Tendulkar's contribution of Indian cricket after the World Cup final win "Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It was time we carried him." How many of us disagree with him? I for one, can't. Undeniably, Tendulkar has carried India through even its worst phases. The reason for his stardom is his superhero like, lone warrior like image that has captivated the fans. We (some of us) blame him for only aiming for personal milestones and not team/national glory. Milestones are important in one's career. But is that alone sufficient as a motivational factor to prolong a career for over 20 years? Don't think so. It's passion, love for the game (and all that jazz) which makes him the powerful figure that he is today in international cricket and world of sports. 

How much more should he prove on field? He has maintained a spotless image in public glare over 20 years. Now, the media and us fans look for the first opportunity to put his image at test. He has been blamed of choosing IPL over WI tour for he decided to skip the latter to get some rest before the gruelling tour of England. He has been accused of trying to evade taxes. Media reports he claimed he is an actor, not cricketer to get a tax break of Rs 2 crore. Now, my question. How abnormal is it for someone to try and evade taxes? Why make a mountain out of a mole hill? We (fans) titled him 'God'. There were no such 'self proclamations' by the humble man. Why is it so tough for us to digest Sachin Tendulkar, at the end of the day is a human. Not at any point in this article have I said Tendulkar shouldn't be criticized. All I say is, he deserves a little more respect than what is meted out to him by his own fans (us).