The hopelessness that such domination can generate can be seen through statements the opposition make. After another one-sided Ranji Trophy final, the captain of the losing side said, ‘It was a privilege for us to play against Sachin Tendulkar,’ much in the manner of India’s bowlers who were in love with the idea of merely bowling to Don Bradman on their first tour there in 1948. If you are excited just by being on the same stage, chances are you are unlikely to out-perform the opposition.
