Sachin Remembers Tom Alter, the Man Who Took His 1st TV Interview

Tom Alter was the first to interview Sachin Tendulkar in 1988. The ‘Master Blaster’ was 16 years old then.

Tom Alter interviewing Sachin Tendulkar in 1988.

(Photo Courtesy: YouTube Screenshot)

Veteran actor Tom Alter passed away 29 September, following a long battle with cancer. Besides being associated with several iconic films and theatre projects, Alter was also a well renowned sports journalist.

Alter was passionate about cricket, and was the first television journalist to interview Sachin Tendulkar. Alter met Sachin when he was just 16 years old.

Alter had the most appropriate questions for the teen who had just stepped on the field. He asked Sachin about his age being a criticism point for the West Indies tour. He also asked about his choice of bowling while batting, to which Sachin said he prefers to take fast bowlers.

A Cricketing Legend in His Own Right

According to Hindustan Times, Tom Alter played for an Indian XI, led by Sunil Gavaskar, against an USA X in 1983, after the World Cup.

That Indian team included Mohinder Amaranath, Ravi Shastri, Roger Binny, Yashpal Sharma, Sandeep Patil, Madan Lal, Balvinder Sandhu and others.

I bowled four good overs, got the rival captain LBW, and was embraced by Gavaskar and Kirmani and Madan and Mohinder and Ravi and Roger… We won the match.

Alter wrote in 2016 Wisden Almanack, about his experience.

Alter wanted Mahendra Singh Dhoni to be banned from cricket after he retired from Test cricket midway of India’s tour in Australia in 2014. Dhoni’s move made Alter angry, not only because he broke his contract mid-way but also because he left several fans heartbroken. He penned his disapproval in an article in Firstpost.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times)