Sandeep Patil: BCCI looked for Sachin Tendulkar's replacement before his 2013 retirement

• Former India selector Sandeep Patil revealed BCCI was actively looking for Sachin Tendulkar's replacement before his 2013 retirement.
• Tendulkar had a lean year in 2012, averaging just 23.80 in Tests and 31.50 in ODIs, prompting selectors to consider his future.
• Patil, then chief selector, asked Tendulkar about his plans, who was "shocked" to learn the committee sought a replacement.
• Patil clarified selectors cannot force retirement but can drop players, stating they only inquired about Tendulkar's intentions.
• Patil regrets his tenure is remembered for Tendulkar's exit, not for bringing in talents like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane.