Mumbai: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who shattered all batting records in world cricket, has hailed countryman Virat Kohli’s straight bat, his cricketing shots — and his discipline.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Tendulkar, speaking about Kohli’s stupendous form that has seen the batsman notch up more than 900 runs in the IPL, insisted: “Virat presents the straight bat and scores with good cricketing shots. He is a special talent and he works hard on his game. His discipline and commitment has to be emulated. He visualises different formats without ever compromising on his technique. In addition, he is very strong mentally and thrives in pressure situations.”
But Tendulkar, who was in Dubai last week for the launch of Aster’s first online portal, AsterOnline.com. also insisted that Test cricket can remain popular in the light of shorter formats drawing huge turnouts.
Tendulkar called for creating bowler-friendly wickets for Test cricket.
“I believe that Test cricket has its own unique position in cricket.
“I also think that the format should enable bowler-friendly wickets. The other formats have largely become overtly advantageous to batsmen, so Test cricket should create this balance.”
Tendulkar believes that Test cricket will remain a huge challenge for a cricketer and changes like day-night Test cricket can make it attractive to audiences.
“Test cricket will continue to remain the challenge for any cricketer. It is appropriately called Test as the format tests your skill, temperament, capability and endurance. The changes being considered are to make it exciting for the audiences,” the 43-year-old said.
When asked about Alastair Cook, who is poised to become the latest to join the elite 10,000 Test runs group, and on what qualities are needed to become a member of that exclusive club, the Little Master said: “It is important to start afresh and keep preparing for the new game. You may have scored a century in the last game but that is the past. You also need to work on your weaker areas since bowlers, coaches and support staff are constantly analysing your batting. There is no substitute for hard work and discipline.”
The Mumbai Indians mentor also talked about what has been special about the latest edition of the Indian Premier League — and the Twenty20 cricket format.
“The level of competition in the IPL has been steadily growing.
“We have had last couple of seasons, where the last match of the pool has decided the final standings and the teams for the knockout phase. It is great for the tournament as the interest level is maintained throughout,” he said.
As for the West Indies emerging as Twenty20 champions and whether they have shown that this format is more suitable for teams with powerful hitters than stroke makers, Tendulkar said: “The one aspect, which has worked successfully in favour of West Indies, is their approach to the T20 format.
“The team has attuned itself to the shorter format of the game and they have some quality hitters coupled with the bowling unit who have also adapted to the demands of the format.
“They have quality spin bowlers who can back their pacers and also some who can bowl their change up to add variety to the bowling. It’s a team that wins the game and West Indies demonstrated it with their urge to prove their critics wrong.”
Commenting on his shorter version tournament that he launched in the US and whether he plans to host it in the UAE too, he said: “We had a wonderful experience of playing in the United States of America last year. I can speak on behalf of each member of the squad that we were overwhelmed with the warm reception and the keen interest in the game of cricket. We are planning our season this year and will soon be announcing the details.”
