Tackling Tahir is the key, says Sachin Tendulkar
The master blaster also praised Virat Kohli and his boys for their commitment
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-09-26 01:35 GMT
MUMBAI: Batting great Sachin Tendulkar feels leg-spinner Imran Tahir could play a big role in the upcoming home series against South Africa. Indian batsmen in the recent past have struggled against spin.
England’s Moeen Ali first troubled India during the Pataudi Trophy where he claimed 19 wickets in five Tests. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon then turned on the heat during the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia emerging as the top wicket-taker with 23 scalps in four matches. In their last Test series, India did well against an in-form Rangana Herath after his seven-wicket haul in the second innings of the first Test.
The visitors will begin their tour with a T20 warm-up game on September 29 in New Delhi. It will be followed by three T20Is, five ODIs and four Test matches. Tendulkar advised Indian batsmen to be watchful against leg-spinner Tahir.
“Tahir is one good bowler and we need to play him properly. He possibly might be one of the leading bowlers.”
While Tahir earned a recall to the Test side after nine months, he has done steadily well in the limited overs format. His performance is reflected in the ICC ODI rankings, as he is currently the top ranked spinner in the world. The visitors also have two more spinning options in Dane Piedt and Simon Harmer.
With the visitors boasting of world-class players like Hashim Amla, modern day batting sensation AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, Tendulkar predicted a close contest. “I have never played against an okay South African side. This series is going to be exciting be it T20s or ODIs. For me, Test cricket is something I am looking forward to.”
The master blaster also praised Virat Kohli and his boys for their commitment. “I think ours is a fantastic team. They are extremely talented guys and committed guys. I know a lot of things are said about the players, but I know them closely. There are no shortcuts in cricket and I know the guys are committed.”