“I do wish him all the very best and I want him to stay on and play 500 matches,” said childhood friend and former Test cricketer Vinod Kambli.
Vinod Kambli insists that his dear friend is still capable of contributing much more to Indian cricket
MUMBAI: Sachin Tendulkar is establishing one milestone after the other in recent times and on Thursday it will be one more from the Little Master — he will become only the second batsman in the world, after Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya (402), to play in 400 one day internationals when he takes the field in the fifth ODI of the Future Cup series against Australia.
Needless to say there are many who are elated at the 34-year-old batting maestro’s feat. But the people close to him are quite elated. Childhood chum and former Test player Vinod Kambli belongs to this category. “It’s a milestone for him definitely,” says Kambli. “It’s such a big number and I’m looking forward to it.”
With India down 1-2 in the seven-match series and Sachin’s form at best being comme ci comme ca, what does Kambli expect from his former schoolmate?
“I don’t feel anything negative about him,” he says. “But I do wish him all the very best and I want him to stay on and play 500 matches.” Did Sachin share his thoughts before the milestone match? “He just said that the number 400 is like a debut match for him.”
With pressure increasing with every passing day on the Big Three of Indian batting - Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and pf course Sachin - age catching up with them and youngsters knocking the doors, there are even talks of them not making it to the Australian tour later this year, and of youngsters being given a chance instead, especially in the aftermath of the recent Twenty20 World Cup triumph.
Ask Kambli about his view on the issue and he flares up. “Is there a replacement for this trio?” he asks. “But they have done so much for the country and can do so much more. I as an ex-player, think they should be allowed to continue, especially when there is a tough tour right ahead in front of you.”
He goes ahead and draws an analogy to prove his point. “Most of the Australian players are also above 30 years in age. Why does the Australian board still insisting on them?” he asks.
“It is because they still deliver the goods and help them win matches ona consistent basis. I feel our Big Three can do something similar,” says Kambli, answering his own question.
And even though the ex-player doesn’t overtly dismiss the youngsters, he albeit sounds a cautious note.
“In a tough tour like this inexperience shows. So you need to have a team that the right mix of youth and experienced players,” he says. “And in case, all the youngsters are sent to Australia then may God bless them.”
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