Gilchrist says Tendulkar has not overstayed

Drawing an analogy with Sachin Tendulkar's masterful strokeplay, Australian great Adam Gilchrist today termed the iconic cricketer's retirement "class timing, as usual" and said his contribution to Indian cricket goes way beyond the mountains of runs he has scored.
"Now, it's perfect as he would be playing the 200th Test match in his home ground. I think he has identified that it is the right time to go. He has not overstayed. As usual, a classic timing," Gilchrist said.
Tendulkar will call time on his glorious 24-year long international career after playing in his landmark 200th and final Test against the West Indies in Mumbai, starting on Thursday.

Gilchrist said that the modern day's greatest batsman timed his retirement well as his mere presence over the last couple of years was enough to help the youngsters.
"The way Sachin has been contributing to the Indian team it's not always just about the runs. I think Ricky Ponting contributed well in the last few years of his career with the Australian team just by having a presence there.
"The learning effect, the education and knowledge that he passes on to young players is really great. Sachin has been a symbol of professionalism, his preparedness to commit to what he is doing, just by being present there, he had great effect on the new guys.

"I am sure if you ask Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma what's been the most valuable part of them being around Sachin Tendulkar, him scoring a hundred or him just being there, I think just to be around Sachin they would all be very excited," Gilchrist said.
Regarding the hype around Tendulkar's retirement over the past couple of weeks, Gilchrist said, "I beg to differ. His life has been in focus and not just the last 10-15 days.
"It's amazing the way he has handled it, the scrutiny, expectations and hype.