Sachin Tendulkar on Eden 2001: Steve Waugh’s mighty Aussies, Laxman-Dravid magic, and his ‘out-of-the-box’ spell
Twenty-five years after India scripted one of Test cricket’s greatest turnarounds at Eden Gardens in 2001, legend Sachin Tendulkar revisits the drama of that unforgettable match against Australia. In this interview, the big-hitter recalls the buzz around Steve Waugh’s seemingly invincible side, the confidence of the dressing room after the Mumbai defeat and the magic of the epic partnership between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid. Tendulkar also reflects on his own surprise on the final day, when his ‘out-of-the-box’ bowling helped break down Australian resistance. He explains how that famous victory transformed India’s confidence and why the Eden Test still ranks among the biggest victories of his career.
There was some buzz before this series, wasn’t there? The Australians landed here after winning 15 Tests in a row.
Yes, there was a lot of noise before Australia came to India because they had beaten everyone convincingly. I was playing in the Duleep Trophy in Pune for West Zone against East. The media asked me if I thought we could beat Australia. My answer was yes. I said it because they had never been put under pressure. So if we manage to put them under pressure, we have to see how they react.
Did you prepare the series differently?
Nothing specific. I just kept everything normal, because I was playing well and had scored some runs in the Duleep Trophy. I was in a good state of mind. In fact, in the first test at Wankhede, I scored 76 and 67.
Despite your contributions in Mumbai, the team lost in three days. What was the atmosphere like during your trip to Calcutta?
When we went to Calcutta, the team was determined to fight back. Losing a goal in a three-match series is never a good feeling. So we were all prepared and determined to win this test and go all together to Chen-nai and corner them there. But our first innings weren’t great. But I remember VVS Laxman got 59.
Tell us about this Laxman-Dravid partnership from the dressing room, especially on day four.
Because VVS batted so well in the first innings, coach John Wright, captain Sourav Ganguly and a few seniors in the dressing room decided that he would bat at No. 3 in the second innings. And VVS batted beautifully and so did Rahul. The fourth day was a special day for us. From our starting point in the morning to our arrival in the evening, everything was transformed. The thought process was different and there was a lot of enthusiasm in the air. We felt that if we could score early on the morning of day five and get Australia involved, knowing how the Australians approached all the matches, we knew they would go for the total and play aggressively and positively. And that’s how it happened.
What was so special about this partnership?
It’s very easy to go there, play a blazing inning and come back to the locker room. But in Eden, time is also running out. If we had scored points quickly and given Australia time, I don’t know if it would have worked. In addition to achieving a big total, occupying the field was also important. They therefore occupied the land for a long time. Batting for a long period of time is not just about physical endurance; it’s also about mental stamina, how long you’re able to concentrate and not give them a chance. I thought the way they both hit was just amazing. And we reached a point where there could only be one winner. I had said before the series started that it would be good to see how Australia reacted when put under pressure. And Rahul, VVS and Harbhajan, all three were responsible for the Indian team being in this position on day five. And from there we capitalized.
Take us through day five, final session. Sourav Ganguly takes you bowling. Was it just to change the ending? Watching the footage of events on YouTube today, did he say “just one more”? You ultimately played 11 matches and picked up three vital wickets.
Harbhajan bowled very well. But, for some reason, we found it difficult to pick wickets for a while. When you hire a team for a little more than two sessions, you can’t expect them to get through it easily. If a pair batted for a while, you felt like a partnership was building and the result wouldn’t be in our favor. We had to pick wickets at frequent intervals. I remember Sourav asking me, “Why don’t you play over here?” I have also seen videos where Sourav is talking to me. But it was never about me for a single match. I bowled frequently during this period in Test cricket and before that too, and was regularly providing the odd breakthrough. I started bowling from the pavilion end and got two crucial wickets.
You generally bowl leggies to right-handers and off-spin to left-handers, especially in white-ball cricket. But you have Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, two attacking lefties, with legs at full height. What was the idea behind this?
Yes, these two guys were actually responsible for Australia’s victory in the first Test as they had a great partnership and scored hundreds. I managed to get both LBWs out as they tried to sweep and missed.
This is a message to Warne. If anyone was going to pick him, it had to be a champion like him. But you disguised it perfectly. When did you think about bowling with a googly?
I always thought that when someone like me comes to bowl, I should constantly experiment and not be predictable. I should do different things, original things, not be a regular bowler. I always believed in catching the batter off guard. Warney’s was a reward window for me. I don’t think he picked me, nor did he expect me to get so many turns from my googly. Bhaji was playing incredibly well. We just needed someone to support him. We tried, but things were not going in our favor. But these three wickets helped us get back on track and end the match on a winning note.
What did this Eden victory do to Indian cricket?
Our confidence level has skyrocketed. When we went to Chen-nai, even though it was a new match, we felt like we had the upper hand. We felt that 70% of the series would belong to us. And despite Hayden’s incredible form in this series, we managed to put up a total in the first innings and put Australia under pressure again. Once again, thanks to Bhaji, who picked many wickets. Rahul and I scored again. I scored a hundred and we won the series. Victories like the one we had at Eden make a huge difference. There is no cure like a victory. It’s a tonic that energizes you. The memories stay with you forever. But it also helps the next generation. You know, when they watch us on television, the younger generation gets inspired.
Where do you rank Eden’s victory among the many great victories you have achieved during your career?
Among the greatest victories. If you win in any part of the world, Eden Gardens 2001 will be discussed and always talked about.
