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Don't make excuses in life: Navjot Singh Sidhu shares an inspiring story about Sachin Tendulkar

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Navjot Singh Sidhu, the former cricketer and television personality known for his wit and insightful takes, recently recounted an unforgettable story about cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar while in conversation with anchor, commentator Padamjeet Sehrawat. Sidhu’s message was simple yet powerful—don’t make excuses in life. Sharing an incident from a match where Tendulkar lost his wicket to Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, Sidhu described how frustration turned into relentless practice, ultimately transforming failure into triumph.

Frustration on the Field
Sidhu’s narrated that the incident unfolded during a test series with Sri Lanka when he and Tendulkar were teammates. Tendulkar, having faced unrelenting spin bowling from Jayasuriya, struggled to find a way to counter it. “He got so frustrated in three overs that he jumped and tried to make room and then got out,” Sidhu recalled in his motivational message. At that time, Sidhu was at the non-striker’s end, witnessing Tendulkar’s growing desperation.

But instead of succumbing to disappointment, Tendulkar made a remarkable choice. For the next three days, he isolated himself, practicing the sweep shot obsessively—whether eating, walking, or commuting. “Even when he was holding a fork and eating, he was doing this and that,” Sidhu said, emphasizing Tendulkar’s unyielding focus on improving his weakness.


Turning Weakness Into Strength
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. By the fourth day, Tendulkar had called fellow leg spinners and batsmen for practice. He swept relentlessly for 90 minutes straight, completely absorbed in mastering the technique. In the next match, Tendulkar scored 140 runs, with 90 of them from sweep shots—the technique that once seemed impossible had become his weapon.

Sidhu’s point was clear: “Calamity is the perfect class.” Instead of using failure as an excuse, Tendulkar turned it into an opportunity for growth.


Sidhu’s account resonates beyond cricket. It underscores how determination, discipline, and focused effort can turn setbacks into breakthroughs. In a world where people often seek quick fixes or excuses, Tendulkar’s experience stands as a beacon of perseverance.

About the Icons Behind the Story
Navjot Singh Sidhu, a celebrated cricketer turned commentator and politician, represented India in over 50 Test matches and 136 ODIs. Known as "Sixer Sidhu," he earned respect for his aggressive batting and charismatic presence. Post-retirement, he became a popular television figure, known for his humor and sharp insights.

Sachin Tendulkar, meanwhile, is revered as the “God of Cricket.” With 34,357 international runs and 100 centuries to his name, he remains one of the most accomplished cricketers in history. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges set him apart as a role model not only in sports but also in life.

Tendulkar’s story reminds us that excuses create walls, while discipline and resilience build bridges to success. For those facing obstacles, this narrative stands as an invitation: stop making excuses, start making progress.
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