To draw comparisons is probably the most favourite pass time for, at least, the cricket fans world over. And when it comes to great achievers it becomes a tad too much to stand.

It happened when Sunil Gavaskar scored his 29th test hundred equaling Sir Donald Bradman. It happened when Brian Lara first overtook Sir Garfield Sobers' 365 not out - then the highest individual score in a test innings - and it happened yet again after Sachin Tendulkar - the darling of the cricketing world - equaled, and then surpassed, legendary Sunil Gavaskar's world record of scoring 34 test hundreds!

However, are comparisons necessary at all? All these God-sent people have played in different eras, in diverse conditions and in such socio-economic and political environments that have been poles apart. Sir Don played when the world was at war, wickets were not covered and the atmosphere on the grounds was unsportsmanlike. And mind you, a simple towel - wrapped around one's thigh - would work as a protective gear, if you please! Sunil Gavaskar played when the bowling attack, to put it in perspective, was the best ever witnessed by the cricketing world. It was lethal, dangerous and even deadly at times. With no restrictions on the number of bouncers it would most definitely get as monstrous as the tsunami disaster. But wickets were covered and the protection for the batsmen was evolving. Sachin Tendulkar is playing in an era which dishes out almost perfect set-up in terms of playing conditions. The sponsors are pouring money in the game and notwithstanding the occasional goof-ups; the organizers are turning every possible stone to make the game as entertaining as possible.

Of course, only a fool will dare say that the prevailing circumstances make the game any easier. It continues to be as challenging as it used to be, albeit with newer challenges. Earlier eras afforded time to cricketers to iron out any flaws that may have crept in their technique unknowingly during tours. They could play Ranji and Duleep Trophy matches or go to their coaches for the purpose. They were hardly bothered by words such as tiredness, exhaustion and fatigue - mentally or physically. With the number of one-day and test matches on the rise, the word 'injury' is only at your doorstep and it doesn't even knock your door before knocking you down! The word 'money' in cricket is yet another demon (It is in our mind). It enhances our expectations no end. And Sachin Tendulkar has to battle with all this; perform against the top class, not fail once, maintain his humility and live a life that we think is right for him. We tend to forget that even Tendulkar is a human being!

To drive the point back home, it would be unfair to compare two players from two different eras, for, both have played in different conditions and faced dissimilar challenges. An attempt to that effect would also mean judging one's ability against another's. And however one wants to be unbiased, 'A' will get pitted against 'B'. The likes and the dislikes of human virtues, at such times, then invariably influence one's thinking which in turn tantamount to insulting - unknowingly though - the fine qualities the two greats have displayed over a long period of time. Drawing comparisons is, therefore, certainly not the best way to appreciate the game and those who make it so very enthralling, riveting and at times romantic!

The only comparable one could draw is that each one of these stood tall under the respective compelling circumstances. And so, became great. All these blessed performers have done their bit representing their country with utmost pride. Each one has sacrificed a plenty to rise to the high that we are in awe of. And they have done it with all the sincerity, dedication, discipline and determination.

Isn't it enough that the two super achievers have given us immense pleasure and made our lives that much more rich? How would you compare a classical straight drive that wore a Gavaskar-stamp with a scorching lofted on-drive by Tendulkar - one crosses the boundary rope leaving the fielder at a teasing distance with hardly any time to catch his breath and the other flies sky-high resting all fielders wide-eyed and open mouthed? But both are stunning. If a Gavaskar-hundred used to be like a deep n' calm ocean, Tendulkar-hundred flowed like the effervescent and sparkling Niagara Falls. And both are equally gripping!

Both have represented India with great dignity and decorum. Both have forced the world to wake up and take notice of Indian cricket by their stupendous deeds. Both are cultured, well-behaved, well-dressed, down-to-earth and humble. Both flash equally refreshing smiles and to mount it all both are Indians! Why compare? (Ends)