How Tendulkar made sure he can concentrate while batting

Sachin Tendulkar is very particular about any distractions when he's batting. For instance, at some venues, he will request the height of the sightscreen to be increased.

Sachin Tendulkar is very particular about any distractions when he's batting. For instance, at some venues, he will request the height of the sightscreen to be increased. And if you were wondering just how he is coping with all the music and the disco lights put up for effect at the venues here during the IPL, listen to this.

Yesterday, MiD DAY overheard a top IPL official making a request on behalf of Tendulkar. "You have to switch off the lights on the right of the sightscreen when Sachin is batting," the official told the ground officials over his walkie talkie. With two screens highlighting the cheerleaders flanking the ramp directly in line of long off, batsmen could struggle to maintain their focus while batting from the pavilion end at Centurion.

Too close for comfort
Unlike India, cricket grounds here in South Africa don't have high iron fences around the boundary and spectators enjoy a better feel of the game. But being too close to the action can also be dangerous.

Yesterday, Deccan Chargers' Ravi Teja while practising before the match hit one uppishly and the ball landed on the head of a girl sitting on the mound. It must have hurt badly because the young lady could not stop rubbing her head for thereafter.

Lalit Modi turns journo?
IPL chairman Lalit Modi has become quite a superstar after successfully shifting the IPL to South Africa from India. He's seen as the miracle man, who can make anything happen. And with the aura around him only growing with time, it was quite a contrast to see him sitting in the press box yesterday among journos working quietly on his laptop.

Mallya's boys have a blast
There are added perks for being in Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya's team. The liquor baron owns several properties around the world, including a farm in South Africa. And RCB's three-match winning streak, the players were rewarded with a trip to Mallya's game park reserve, about 200 kms from Jo'burg. Thereafter, they visited a vineyard, also owned by Mallya.

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