Of course, he was hurt by the rather misplaced "Strokeless Wonder" label, slapped after his debut series (1983-84, versus the West Indies), and made the authors look rather silly at the first available opportunity.

That took a while coming - actually four years - but Sidhu’s comeback in the 1987 World Cup was nothing short of phenomenal.

India lost in the semi-finals. However, with scores of 73, 75, 51, 55 and 22, Sidhu confirmed the selectors could overlook him only at their peril.

"I wasn’t out to prove a point then (1987 World Cup). In fact, I never sought to make a point. I gave hundred cent, as I always would, and it clicked", Sidhu remarked, speaking from his Patiala residence.

Yet, while Sidhu continued to collect runs, there was the odd controversy too. The walkout from England (mid-1996) featuring right at the top.

"I treat bygones as bygones. I have no ill will against anybody. Let’s leave it at that …… I’ve always lived for the day, never thinking of the yesterdays nor looking to the tomorrows…. I’ll continue that way," Sidhu said, showing no inclination to talk about one of the more stunning off-the-field chapters in Indian cricket.

Typically, not many months after that walkout, Sidhu posted his career-best effort (201) in the West Indies.

"Yes, a big score overseas does give lots of satisfaction … But the most satisfying (Test) knock would be that 97 on a green top in Sialkot (1989-90).. I had a long partnership with Sachin (Tendulkar) and we forced a draw when, at one time, defeat was imminent."

Incidentally, that 97 was the first of four dismissals in the Nineties. "I managed a 99 as well (against Sri Lanka, in Bangalore)… I suppose I wasn’t destined to get a hundred on each of those four occasions. You only go where destiny takes you."

In one-day Internationals, Sidhu picked the unbeaten 134 in Gwalior, versus England (1992-93), as his top Performance. "At one stage, we weren’t too well off, but Anil (Kumble) gave wonderful support."

It’s significant that Sidhu signed off with an excellent Test average of 42.13 (3,202 runs with nine hundreds in 51 appearances) and a high average in one-dayers - 37.09 (4,414 runs with six hundreds in 136 appearances).

Sidhu’s last appearance, of course, was in the Hamilton Test earlier in 1999.

Did he then think, after an undoubtedly disappointing series, that the end was near?

"Like I’ve said, I don’t look to the tomorrows. That should answer your question…… Today, I’ll only say that all good things in life must end. Where I’m concerned, one has ended and I’m not going to look back. Throughout, I’ve never sat in judgement. Rather, others judged me and I humbly accepted their verdict …. I always acknowledged I had limitations, even said I was a man of limitations…."

"However, I could never be faulted for not giving hundred percent… I’ve quit only because I don’t find a place in the present scheme of things…… I’m reconciled to the old order changing. It has to, and will."

For once, the 36-year-old Sidhu became emotional.

Again, typically, he was genuinely appreciative while talking of Sadagopan Ramesh and Devang Gandhi, the current openers.

"Both are superb batsmen and I can only wish them well. They’ll go far, but both must have a desire to learn… Come to think of it, I still feel I’m part of the Indian team…… The emotions are - and will remain - the same."

With India’s Test series against Australia behind us, it’s time to look back on the earlier encounter between the two - in India, early last year. And while Sachin was at his best, Sidhu too was brilliant.

Indeed, while most overlooked Sidhu’s contribution - scores of 62, 64, 97, 74 and 44 in the three Tests - Shane Warne, very sportingly, didn’t forget that.

Warne’s comments will remain special for Sidhu. "I treat every word as a big compliment…. The key to tackling spinners, specially, is not to allow them get on top. Really, the domination must come from the batsmen. Bottomline is being positive."

It is, but did any one bowler queer the pitch more than others?

"Sir Richard Hadlee…. He had that awkward bounce and the deviation off the wicket was troublesome. Then, he made you play all six deliveries……Gave no breathing space, something openers can do with."

Sidhu added: "Must say I’m relieved I never had to face Sri (Jawagal Srinath) at the international level. He’s a great bowler."

Generous as always, almost to a fault. That’s Navjot Singh Sidhu.