'Don't let distractions disrupt your career': Sachin Tendulkar's piece of advice for Indian cricketers after winning lifetime achievement award

At the BCCI's annual Naman Awards ceremony held in Mumbai on February 1, batting great Sachin Tendulkar delivered a heartfelt and insightful speech. After being conferred with the prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the Master Blaster shared some valuable advice with the young cricketers in attendance.

Recognizing that Indian cricket is currently in a transitional period, Tendulkar addressed the younger generation of players directly. He acknowledged the various distractions that can surround a cricketing career but urged them not to let these diversions derail their focus and commitment to the game.

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Sachin Tendulkar's crucial advice for Indian cricketers

Sachin Tendulkar reminded the young players that before achieving success, they had very little and were characterized by humility. Now that they have attained success and financial security, he stressed that it is their responsibility to maintain that same humility and not forget where they came from. He also advised the Indian cricketers to not let distractions destroy their career.

"I would say, without cricket, all of us wouldn't be sitting in this room. For me, it has been the ultimate gift of my life. We have bat and ball, and if there is no solid grip over that, or you start losing grip over the bat and ball, you kind of slowly start losing grip over your career also," Sachin Tendulkar said at the BCCI Naman Awards event.

"I should not be giving you advice and saying 'stay focused' or whatever, but there'll be distractions. Don't let them disrupt your career. Value everything that we have and look after your game. We all have managed; we did not have anything. It is important to value when we have everything and behave in the appropriate manner to take the game forward and the country's name (forward). Like I said, you all are current cricketers; there is plenty of cricket left in you. Just go out, give your best, and make the most of this opportunity, because you only realise once you've stopped playing cricket, where you were a few years ago. So, all the very best to you," he added.

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The evening saw a total of 26 awards presented. In addition to Sachin Tendulkar's lifetime achievement award, Jasprit Bumrah received the International Men's Cricketer of the Year award, and Ravichandran Ashwin was honored with a Special Honour Award.