Tendulkar calls for respect towards senior players

I'm referring to this

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/current/story/375956.html

As a child growing up, I have greatly admired Tendulkar and as I have grown the admiration has evolved into respect. Respect for his achievements, his humility and his cricketing talent. But I have to disagree with him on this one.

Why must seniority and past achievements be a factor in determining in the use by date of a sportsman? A CEO of a badly performing company doesn't get to keep his job regardless of his past record. If your management policies are not working, the board of directors are wont to give you the pink slip.

Besides, cricket is a team sport. An individual in a team sport does not get to decide when he or she retires. If you cant pull your weight then somebody else is dragging it. A pack of dogs pulling sled has to work together, each expected to perform its designated function. If one of them is injured or simply not good enough, the entire pack struggles.

I can understand Sachin requesting for more respect from the media and the selectors in handling the issue of retirement. But I cannot accept that senior players must decide for themselves when to retire. Besides, as a fan I would rather see Sachin, Dravid, Kumble and Ganguly go out with the cliched bang than having to watch them scratch around for 20-30 or bowling 30 overs without a wicket and have the selectors drop them unceremoniously.

Ask Healy or Taylor what it means to be pushed. Compared to that Ganguly is getting a grand sendoff with pension, wall clock and farewell party.