Ian Chappell`s retirement advice to Sachin draws ire from ex-players

Mumbai, March 31: Former players came down heavily on Ian Chappell`s retirement advisory to Sachin Tendulkar, saying that the little master does not need anybody`s advice and has been in the game long enough to decide his future.In his column for the Mid-Day newspaper, Chappell stirred a hornet`s nest by saying Tendulkar has become a shadow of his former self in the last three or four years and has looked like a player trying to ``eke out a career``. Former India stumper and current Maharashtra coach, Chandrakant Pandit said Tendulkar has played the game for long to judge himself and decide on retirement. ``Sachin Tendulkar is good enough to know his ability and approach towards the game. He is an experienced player and knows how long he should carry on playing,`` Pandit said. Baroda coach Ashok Mankad, who had also caoched the Mumbai team, felt Chappell`s comments about Tendulkar playing only for records were uncalled for as the little champion was known to be a team man and motivator. ``I don`t think Sachin has that kind of mindset to play for statistics, he is far above all those petty things.`` ``Having worked with him for three years and followed his career, I found that he is a positive energy and always puts in and expects hundred percent from himself and others,`` he added. Bureau Report