Mumbai: The calls for retirement might have grown louder after Sachin Tendulkar was bowled three times on the trot in the recent Test series against New Zealand, but former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is convinced the senior batsman will respond in a befitting manner.
“It’s not the first time he has been bowled. It has happened when he was at his peak. He had then found a way and he is going to do it again. I am sure people’s talk (about his retirement) must have hurt him and he will respond to it,” Ganguly said on Friday, after delivering the Dilip Sardesai memorial lecture.
Ganguly was sure that Tendulkar would call it a day when he’s on a high like all great players do.
“Having played with him for so long, you got to believe he’s not over. When he goes he will go on a high like it should be for every player and more so for the great man,” said the Bengal stalwart while answering a query before a packed gathering.
Kumble praises Dravid, Laxman
Meanwhile, legendary Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble said that Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman played a vital role in his success with their brilliance as close-in fielders.
Of Kumble’s 619 Test victims, 81 have been dismissed caught by Dravid and Laxman combined.
“Rahul and Laxman were brilliant for me as close-in fielders. Most of the times, they knew exactly what I was going to bowl. I never had to discuss my bowling plans with them or instruct them particularly. At times, I told them if I wanted them to stand a bit straighter or wider, but mostly they were very precise in positioning themselves,” Kumble said.
“For a spinner to succeed it’s very important to have good close-in fielders and I was very lucky to have quite a few. Rahul and Laxman were among the best. They expected a catch off every ball.” (PTI)
