‘Saw Him Unhappy For The First Time:’ Aakash Chopra Reveals Sachin Tendulkar’s Reaction After India’s Declaration In Multan Test

Former Indian commentator Aakash Chopra revealed Sachin Tendulkar’s reaction to India’s declaration against Pakistan in the Multan Test back in 2004.

The Multan Test is widely remembered for Virender Sehwag’s epic knock of 309. The match also witnessed a much-talked-about moment where the then India skipper Rahul Dravid declared the innings while Sachin was batting on 194.

Years after the decision, Chopra has now revealed Tendulkar’s reaction to that decision.

Speaking to the YouTube channel 2 Sloggers, he said, “Yes, paaji [Sachin Tendulkar] wasn’t happy that day. I think I saw him unhappy for the first time. I never saw him lose temper, and he didn’t exactly lose temper that day but he was visibly unhappy. Something wasn’t right."

Aakash Chopra also talked about how he did not try to meddle in the team conversation as he was a relatively young player in the Indian squad at that time.

He said, “I was in the dressing room, but I wasn’t part of that conversation. To be very honest, I didn’t even try to get into it because I was too young." The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the decision was not solely taken by Rahul Dravid. Ex-skipper Sourav Ganguly was also a part of the ‘think tank’ that made the call, according to Chopra.

“Rahul did call, but Dada (Ganguly) was part of the dressing room that day too. He wasn’t playing in that game, but he was in dressing room and I’m sure he was part of the think-tank. It wasn’t the captain’s decision alone," Aakash Chopra recalled.

The Multan Test between India and Pakistan in 2004 saw Virender Sehwag become the first Indian cricketer to score a triple century in the format. The opening batter had smashed 309 in an innings. His knock helped visitors put a mammoth total of 675/5 on the scoreboard.

Regardless of the controversies, surrounding the declaration, the visitors succeeded in clinching an emphatic victory. Legendary India spinner Anil Kumble registered a six-wicket haul in the second innings to bowl out the hosts for 216. India had secured a resounding victory in the Test series opener by an innings and 52 runs. Virender Sehwag was adjudged Player of the Match for his stupendous knock of 309.