A Letter to Sachin Tendulkar

Some uncomfortable truths about the star cricketer’s fashion sense

Dear Sachin,

Michael Jordan, the you of basketball, is notorious for his poor sense of style today. But in the 1990s, Jordan’s best years as a player, he had the reputation of a natty, perceptive dresser. After matches, while most changed into track pants, Jordan often wore three-piece suits. Someone asked him why he did that. Jordan said he wanted to be at his best for fans who hung around outside after games.

That a famously self-centred, egoistical star like Jordan would go the extra mile for supporters illustrates a few things, Sachin. One, fans matter to stars. Two, if you are a public figure, it matters how you present yourself. Not all athletes need to go to Jordan’s lengths, but they cannot allow themselves to become subjects of derision. Not when they are icons like Jordan, or yourself.

Unfortunately, there is a danger of that happening to you, Sachin. As a cricketer and a person, you have been all class. But the admirable understatement that defines your personality deserts you when it comes to fashion sense. It is a tragedy that the de facto uniform of Indian cricketers—hideous Ed Hardy T-shirts over loud True Religion jeans—is embraced by you too. You also have a fascination for patent leather shoes and belts with large buckles, something one normally sees on villains in B-Grade films. Ya ya, this is a democracy and all that yada-yada and technically you can wear a disco ball if you want to. But as your well-wishers, we would like you to consider one golden rule of dressing—unless he’s a musician, no grown-up man should wear jazzy things. No jazzy, Sachin. Jazzy not cool. Jazzy only for Bappi da. Or Snoop Dogg. Try a more grown-up, discreet style and see your fan following and endorsements burgeon even more.

And the haircut. We know you are excited about it. Months of growing it out. And one day it is the right length for straightening or whatever. The wait must have been as agonising as for your 100th. But here’s the truth. Your original look was better. That picture from Pune, where you are wearing a checked shirt and white aviators and looking a bit like Himesh, has ended the debate. Look, you never changed your natural bottom-hand grip, did you? It worked for you all these years. It’s the same with hair.

Warm regards

About The Author

Akshay Sawai