Important to gradually move in direction of electric cars: Sachin Tendulkar

Master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar is a big draw at the Auto Expo as he walks in for unveiling cars. But while admiring the gleaming metal on display, the ace cricketer — a selfconfessed auto aficionado — shares some concerns with TOI: “The country needs to be healthy, and sports should be included as a subject to prompt youngsters to stay fit.” Excerpts:

Do automobiles excite you as much as cricket?
• When I was growing up, I used to travel in a cab with my parents and used to sit on the front seat. I kept on observing the driver as he changed gears and stepped on the accelerator. I used to stand in the balcony and observe cars and later on, I started watching videos and eventually the passion increased. I love cars and it is my passion.

The face of motoring is changing across the country and infrastructure is choking at many places. Being a Member of Parliament, are you concerned?

• People here talk about electric cars, and the rest of the world has moved in that direction. We are also gradually moving in that direction. It is important. Taking small steps can help us reach our target.

You had been an active participant in the Swachh Bharat campaign. Does the pollution in Delhi worry you?
• Absolutely. This needs to change. I am not talking about any rocket science here. It is important for everyone’s health, and as a society we need to abide by certain rules.

You have spoken about the contribution of sports to keep the country fit?
• It has been scientifically proven that playing active sports allows you to absorb more information. Team sports teach you to sacrifice for your team’s interest. It teaches you how to introspect on your shortcomings when you lose. The larger picture is India’s health. This is one idea that can make India healthy and you also sweat out calories. I have been speaking about the need to exercise for last three to four years. Ideally, I would like sports as a subject in school. You score grades in sports if you represent your school, district, state or country.

Do you miss your rigorous training schedules considering you have a more relaxed life now?
• Yes, physically it is nowhere compared to when I was an active cricketer. But I like playing different sports such as badminton, squash, table tennis, football. It just gives me a lot of satisfaction. It gives me a lot of joy.

What about your son Arjun. How is he shaping up as a cricketer?
• He’s trying. Like my father gave me freedom, I’m giving him freedom. Whatever he wants to be in life, he has to give in his best.

Does being the son of a cricketing legend add to the pressure?
• Those things are there but his focus should be on the game and on his passion. That is what I would want as a parent. Comparisons will happen. But what I’ve learned from my father is that whatever work you’ve got to do, keep your focus on that. Rest of the things will continue to happen. You’ll push yourself, and I’ve tried to do that. My experience was really good. The way my father gave me freedom, responsibility also came along with that freedom. So, that is what I am trying to do.

Do you see the next Sachin Tendulkar in him?
• No. He should just be Arjun... Should only be Arjun. There shouldn’t be any comparisons.

Do you think the current cricket team is one of the best we’ve had? It looks very aggressive...
• I don’t like comparing teams. Because when we start comparing, we kind of subconsciously take away something from someone. They all have contributed in their own ways and to get to this level, all the players have sacrificed and worked hard. So, I don’t like taking away something from someone. I would rather say that whatever the team is, if we are doing well right now, we should stay with them and appreciate it. If they are not doing well, then we should encourage them, and support them. So, that is how I look at it.