Mumbai: Is Sachin Tendulkar the greatest modern day Test batsman ever or is it Brian Lara, whose Test score of 400 not out almost seems invincible?
The debate may continue for ages but on Tuesday Lara made it clear that greatness in sport does not depend on numbers alone.
“If I had a son, and he would watch me bat on YouTube, I would take it off and ask him to watch Sachin bat. He has one of the best techniques I have seen against all types of bowling. His balance, his footwork and the way his head was over the ball, any young player should follow,” said Lara to a thundering applause.
The West Indies genius, who wielded his bat with utmost ease even against fiercest of attacks said the massive fan following for the two varies to a great length. “No comparison between Lara and Tendulkar. They know me in Trinidad and come and meet me straightway. Even Indian fans come and I welcome them into my house but to have 1.3 billion people follow is something I can’t imagine.”
Spin legend Bishen Singh Bedi too stunned the audience when he said he was lucky to be living in the same era as Tendulkar’s. “We are being greedy if we want another Tendulkar. I consider myself lucky to be breathing the same air as him.” The former India captain said Tendulkar’s sole purpose in life is to teach others the nuances of the game.
“He is God’s messenger. He has shown the world how to play cricket. Many cricketers have benefited from his presence and he will be welcomed warmly into the dressing room for next five years.”
Lara also shared an anecdote when he witnessed Tendulkar’s mastery at close quarters.
“We were once playing for Rest of the World against Pakistan. There was a rule in that match that bowlers cannot run more than 12 yards but Waqar Younis kept taking longer run-up after every ball. I went up to Sachin and told him the rule is not being followed but he told me not to worry. The next ball by Waqar was hit into the stands and it cleared 13 rows.”?
Sachin's intensity rises against Pak
Sachin's intensity rises against Pak
DC CORRESPONDENT
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?Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar was only 16 when he made his Test debut against Pakistan. Despite being hit on the chin by Waqar Younis' raw pace, young Tendulkar did not bog down and continued to bat much to everyone's surprise. Hence it comes as little surprise when Suresh Raina feels Tendulkar's intensity doubles when he faces arch-rivals Pakistan.
“His intensity reaches 200 per cent against Pakistan. I remember when we were playing our world cup semifinal against Pakistan in Mohali, we all were tense. It was a high-voltage match for us with prime ministers of both the nations present. The body language of players on both the sides was aggressive.
“After the toss, paaji (Sachin) had told every player to remain focussed on the job. He said 'the wicket is good and our record against Pakistan in world cup is perfect’. He had a meeting with the batsmen and fielders as our fielding unit was very strong.
Paaji told us ‘let’s trouble them; they don’t perform when put under pressure’. This showed his intensity,” said Raina.
Raina said Tendulkar was passionate to win the World Cup at his home ground Wankhede Stadium in 2011. “He was keen to win the world cup.
When we were playing the final (against Sri Lanka), we did not get a good start and players started roaming around for tea and snacks. At that time, paaji told everyone to be seated and watch the match. It showed his involvement. When we won the world cup, and the way his family, fans and the whole of Mumbai rejoiced, it was a touchy moment for every player. Paaji became so emotional after winning it.
It showed how much desperate he was to win the Cup,” Raina recalled.
