Tendulkar's achievement something superhuman: Srikkanth

Praising batting ace Sachin Tendulkar, Selection Committee Chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth today described his achievement of hundred international tons as something superhuman and cited him as a classic example for "thriving in an imbalanced world."

Srikkanth, an ardent admirer of Tendulkar, was addressing a seminar on'Thriving in an Imbalanced World' organised by CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) here.

Lauding Tendulkar on his historic feat, he said, "A classic example for thriving in imbalanced world is Sachin Tendulkar. In 1989, when I was the captain, he was just 16 years old..... making a debut in Pakistan against Pakistan.

And there was Imran Khan, Wasim Akram.... You call that a balanced world?"

"In his first match, he gets it on his mouth, bleeds through his mouth. He does not go back. Then, he continues to play. Then, he continues, continues, continues and (is still) continuing!" he said.

Describing the challenges Tendulkar had to go through, Srikkanth said he had scored against Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies under various conditions,"all imbalanced conditions" ranging from turning wickets in India, seaming and bouncy tracks in England and Australia besides West Indian fast bowlers.

Tendulkar's record is something superhuman, he said.

Nobody available to replace Sachin Tendulkar, says Vengsarkar

Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar on Thursday slammed suggestions in the media and views of another former captain Kapil Dev that Sachin Tendulkar should quit one-day cricket, saying that the master batsman needed no advice on this issue.

"There is no need to advise a legend to hang his boots when he himself, I am sure, will do so when the time is right for him to do so," said Vengsarkar, a former chief selector, in a statement issued here.

Kapil Dev had said that Sachin should have quit after the World Cup victory.

"In my opinion, he should have quit ODI on a high after India won the World Cup....But it's for him to decide," Kapil had said.

Vengsarkar, said that even at the age of 39, Tendulkar was as fit as anyone in the Indian team.

He also said that Indian team's bench strength was poor, and there is none to fill in the boots when great players like Tendulkar leave the scene.

"I really wonder whether India has a player of Sachin's class in its midst at the moment. Our bench strength is not at all that solid whereby we can hope to fill the void left by some great players in time to come," he said.

"Sachin may be nearing 39 years, but I strongly feel that he is as fit and as charged up, if not more, than any of the players playing for India at present. His focus, dedication, and commitment to the team is unparalleled to say the least.

"Sachin's sheer presence can mould the future generation of Indian cricketers....the Mumbai team of yesteryears was strong because we had Test players playing club and inter-office cricket regularly in Mumbai. This helped upcoming, young cricketers immensely," Vengsarkar said.

A player like Sachin Tendulkar cannot be rested: Akram

Baffled with the rotation policy, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram said it does not work in the sub-continent and the Indian team management should not have rested a player of Sachin Tendulkar's stature.

"Don't experiment with Sachin Tendulkar," warned Akram. "Rotation policy does not work in our part of the world. A player like Tendulkar cannot be rested. I mean, India did win without Tendulkar in Adelaide, but his presence always plays on the mind of the rival team. That's why he is a Tendulkar. His stature is just too big to ignore," he added.



The former speedster wondered if there were any fitness issues but said Tendulkar must play all matches.

"When you have doubts about Tendulkar's ability and preparedness, then there is something wrong with the team management.

"If you have a Tendulkar in the squad, you cannot afford to have him on the bench. He must play all games," Akram told a website.

The selectors might have given rest to the iconic batsman to ensure that Tendulkar is better prepared to score his 100th international century, but Akram felt the only way to make Tendulkar get to the landmark is to play him.

"If that's the objective then let Tendulkar achieve the milestone...If he gets a century, the whole team profits. And in any case, the rotation policy should be applicable for all 11 positions," he insisted.

Akram said though giving chance to youngsters is a step in the right direction, it raises questions on the future of senior players and Tendulkar also comes in the frame.

"Tendulkar is the greatest Indian player. When and how he wants to leave should be left to him. The BCCI and the selectors should have a chat with him. If he wants to play the 2015 World Cup, then fair enough. But if I was Tendulkar, I would opt out of ODIs and extend my Test career."

Tendulkar is a pocket rocket, says Cummins

Describing Sachin Tendulkar a "pocket rocket", Australia's new pace sensation Pat Cummins is excited at the prospect of "versing" the "rockstar".

The 18-year-old, who made a sensational Test debut by taking seven wickets to set up a thrilling series-levelling win for Australia against South Africa earlier this month, is looking forward to bowl against Tendulkar in the Test series next month.


The 38-year-old Tendulkar made his Test debut three-and-a-half years before Cummins was even born.

"He's one of the greats of all time, I've grown up watching him," Cummins told 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.

"For someone who is a bit of a pocket rocket, he's not too tall, even against the fastest bowlers he seems to stand up and lift another gear.

"To get a game, even here in Australia, would be unbelievable. To be versing the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid - it's going to be a massive challenge. He's someone hopefully all the bowlers don't get too overawed versing him and I guess you've got to still imagine him like any other batsmen," he added.

India and Australia will square off in a much-anticipated Test series starting December 26. Cummins said he would not "waste time" chalking out a bowling strategy for Tendulkar as the Indian is "too good everywhere".

"It's more imagining the moment of playing people like him, it'd be a massive thrill," Cummins said.

"Sachin Tendulkar has got a massive following in India and is a rockstar over there. Someone like him, all the fame, it'd be on a whole new different level versing him," he added.