Antigua, March 29: It’s unlikely that Sachin Tendulkar would call it a day or the Board would pull the plug on his career but what’s certain is that his spell on an adoring nation is over.

Since he first made it to local Mumbai newspapers in the mid-1980s, Tendulkar has been pretty much the reigning deity of Indian cricket. His one snap could trigger a stampede among press photographers; his one quote, however banal, would make front page headlines. Media respected his privacy like they did with no one else.

It was the same with his teammates. Tendulkar always got the spot he wanted in the team bus. It was also the same in the dressing room where his mates didn’t dare to put even a towel on his chair. He was always accorded the space, grown up men always walked a step behind him.

Andrew Leipus, former physio of Indian team, once described the rest of the teams dilemma whenever they attended a public function.

"What you do is to try and stay away from Sachin in public places. The crowd would come in droves and leave you gasping for breath. A quiet drink is never possible with him around."

Every passing day only served to add to his aura. If Steve Waugh termed him second only to Bradman, the 'Don' himself likened him to his own image. Shane Warne talked of 'nightmare', Viv Richards about his fascination with the little genius. The monarchs of the game, including Brian Lara, took a bow to the Indian emperor.

On the other hand, voices of dissent faced national disapproval. A Sanjay Manjrekar who questioned his authority faced national censure. Sachin's cheap dismissal against England, which provoked a boo from the stands of Wankhede Stadium last year, was a front-page news.

In the background, of course, were whispers that questioned his ability to win key games. But frankly it never came to a stage when Tendulkars charisma dimmed in front of a

Sehwag, Dravid or even Ganguly.

Lately, much has changed though. The new India is intolerant of failure. It doesn't give in to respect easily, past laurels mean little to it. In everyday battle of recognition and honour, the Indians want to take on the world.

There is a generational change and past heroes are viewed in modern prism with frankness, even brutally.

In many ways, it is the biggest challenge of Tendulkar yet. Despite his mountain of runs and centuries, he feels unfulfilled. Normally, it should be a cause of celebration for Indian cricket except that his failures are now unlikely to be glossed over. Revisionists truly are at work.

Tendulkar has not only been a part of Indian cricket dynasty, he has even presided over it. He is still among the top batsmen of the land but it wouldnt help explain away his failures. He has stoked the demons of success and he is now obliged to keep feeding it.

Of course he has the option to turn his back on it all. But he wouldn’t do it. A few would term it is failure to read the sign of times; others would admire him for his courage to take on the world.

The end game has begun and for all us cricket romantics, let’s hope Tendulkar would win it.