With great power comes great responsibility. Pop culture in the 20th century propagated that thought incessantly in different forms — through Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben in as many words, and through the actions of other caped crusaders who prowled its colourful streets. In sport, a land that pop culture often visits for its inspirations, the debate on whether top players should use their clout to change things for their peers has always been an intriguing one.

One pop icon who understands the power and responsibility relationship better than most others is Sachin Tendulkar. He’s never allowed the adulation of millions to go to his head; he’s always managed to conduct himself like a role model; and he’s chosen his words with care, aware of their power and their ability to create a controversy.

The first time he raised an issue in public was after the 2007 World Cup, when he reacted to coach Greg Chappell’s comments against the senior players with an idiom made famous by Kader Khan in Hindi pop culture: “Paani sar se ooncha ho gaya hai.” The BCCI had no option after that — Chappell was sacked, order was restored, and India soon had a famous Test series victory in England.

Two years after that, he said neutral venues were robbing the excitement of the Ranji Trophy. The decision was repealed immediately, things will go back to normal from the coming season. And on Tuesday, in a discussion on ‘Cricket in Changing Times’, it was refreshing to watch Sachin speak freely on cricketing policy, rather than cricketing excellence, by laying out a simple plan to help revive the popularity of Test matches — reserve a stand for students, give them free entry, and allow them to soak in the experience.

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