Mumbai: Terming retiring Sachin Tendulkar’s batting technique as the best in the world, legendary West Indian cricketer Brian Lara said, on Tuesday, that if he had a son he would have asked him to learn from the videos of the Indian great to excel in the sport.
“If I had a son who wanted to play cricket I wouldn’t have told him not to watch my videos but instead ask him to look for Sachin’s (videos) as he has the perfect technique against any kind of bowling. It is the best I have ever seen. Perfect for a youngster to learn from,” Lara said.
While praising Tendulkar’s impeccable longevity, Lara said it would have been hard for the champion batsman to fulfil the huge expectations of his fans during his two-and-a-half decade career.
“His longevity is amazing. He started couple of years ahead of me and ended six after I retired. These 24 years are testimony to his skills, dedication and fitness level. His zeal while playing for India was simply amazing. I know he has had a tough playing for 1.3 billion people,” Lara said at an event organised by a news publication in honour of the legendary batsman.
Lara felt that Tendulkar deserved every bit of adulation before his final hurrah at his home ground at the Wankhede Stadium here.
“The felicitations for him are much deserved. He has sacrificed a lot for the nation and dedicated his entire life to the game,” Lara insisted.
Asked about a perfect timing for a cricketer to retire, the left-handed batsman said: “Retirement is not something you look forward to.
“It is not planned. In my case when I thought I had nothing more to offer to West Indian cricket I made the decision to leave.” (PTI)