"In the previous three or so years, I remember only two test series where Sachin has (statistically)batted way below his own level. One is the series against New Zealand in India last year, and the other being the recently concluded series against England. Funnily, in the series against New Zealand, Sachin had to score just 1 century to complete a half century of centuries in tests, and in the latter series, he had had to score just 1 century to complete a century of international centuries. Unfortunately, with coincidences such as these, Sachin has to be considered a player who does give in to the pressure of milestones. But, before that, I must say that when Sachin has played well, pressure has hardly seemed to develop on the team. Such is the Sachin effect"