Cricket: Tendulkar unconcerned about slump

Booed by his home fans, plagued by a prolonged form slump and battling a fresh injury - Sachin Tendulkar's cup of woes may be brimming over but the little champion is ready to fight the odds.

The recent reversals notwithstanding, Tendulkar is clear in his mind that his reflexes have not slowed and believes there is "nothing to be concerned about".

Tendulkar also scotched any speculation about retirement, saying he had been "batting well" and just needed some luck to turn things around.

Asked specifically if he was contemplating retirement, he replied, "I am not interested in this question."

On his failures in three consecutive test series, the record-breaking batsman said: "I feel I have been batting well. I have made one odd mistake and paid the price. Batsmen sometimes get away with bad shots and are fortunate to see some catches get dropped.

"I just feel that luck needs to be a bit more on my side. I am not overly worried because everyone goes through such a phase. I think it is a part and parcel of life. As long as I know from the bottom of my heart that I am trying my best, it is OK," Tendulkar said in an interview with Outlook magazine.

Tendulkar said he had been speaking to former players who had gone through such phases to learn how they dealt with a loss of form.

Tendulkar, ruled out of competitive cricket for at least two months with a shoulder injury which requires surgery, said his reflexes hadn't slowed. "I don't believe that my reflexes have slowed down. I am quite happy with the way my feet move when I am at the crease. I like the way I was middling the ball both at Karachi and Mumbai [against England]. I believe I am getting in the right positions to play each delivery."

On being booed by his home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium during the third test against England, he said: "The issue was blown out of proportion by the media. It wasn't that bad.

"I have more well-wishers than the small section of the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium that day. I have to ignore them. I cannot forget the backing I have got from the people all these years just because of this."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY