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He didn't lose temper but...: Chopra recalls Tendulkar being left stranded at 194* in Multan Test

He didn't lose temper but...: Chopra recalls Tendulkar being left stranded at 194* in Multan Test

Aakash Chopra recalls Sachin Tendulkar being stranded at 194* during Multan Test

During India's tour of Pakistan in 2004, the visitors played three Tests with the series opener in Multan. While the match is remembered for Virender Sehwag becoming the first-ever Indian triple centurion, who led India to an innings and 52-run win, stand-in captain Rahul Dravid also made heads turn with his shocking declaration call when India were 675 for 5, on the second day, after opting to bat first. His decision left Sachin Tendulkar stranded at 194*, which stunned many. Recently, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra -- who was part of the Indian Test team during the 2004 trip to Pakistan -- recalled Master Blaster Tendulkar's reaction post the shocking declaration.

Speaking on YouTube channel 2 Sloggers, Chopra 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. Yes, paaji 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."

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Chopra further opined, "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. After the game, Rahul did say that he wouldn't have declared had he known the match would end within 4 days."

He added, "With Rahul, it is possible that in heat of the moment, you agree or disagree. But you don't doubt his decision. You know that even if he was at a similar position, he would've taken the same decision."

India were without regular captain for the three-match Test series opener versus arch-rivals Pakistan. However, they stormed past Pakistan after posting a mammoth first-innings total. In reply, Pakistan 407 and were dismissed for 216, after following-on, to lose the clash convincingly.

Eventually, India also won the series 2-1, post their 3-2 ODI series win early in the tour.