The greatest compliment I ever received was from Sir Don Bradman, says Sachin Tendulkar
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar called Sir Don Bradman’s comparison of his batting with his own the “greatest compliment” he has received in his life.
He said that he would always “treasure” the fact that he was picked by Sir Don Bradman in his all-time Test XI and added that he has the photograph of that all-time XI framed at his home in Mumbai.
"Coming back to the greatest compliment that I have received in my life was without any doubt was from Sir Don," Tendulkar said while speaking at a sporting event organised by the Australian consulate in the presence of touring Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbot at the Cricket Club of India.
"In 1994-95 he told his wife that my batting style resembles his batting style. It was the greatest compliment that I have received from him and the icing on the cake was when he picked me to be a part of his all-time Test playing eleven.
"That was a special moment for me in life. I have the photograph of the playing eleven framed at my place which I would treasure," he added.
Tendulkar also reminisced about the moment when he got the chance to hold the bat that Bradman used to play with back in the 1930s and 40s.
"I remember in 2007, I was playing a match at Sydney where I actually got to hold Sir Don's real bat,” the 41-year old said.
"We obviously had to be careful. I had to wear gloves and all sorts of things. But it was an exciting moment for someone who 30 years ago was checking the autograph of Sir Don to progress to actually hold his real bat that he used in the 30s and 40s.”
Confidence in Team India for World Cup
Talking about India’s chances in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Tendulkar said that he has full confidence in the team that they can defend their title and added that he had fond memories of playing the last World Cup that was held in Australia and NZ, which was in 1992.
"I know that the World Cup will be played next year in Australia and New Zealand, and I have got some fond memories of 1991-92 tour when we played in Australia and New Zealand. Just a gentle reminder to everyone that the defending champions are ready to defend," the Mumbaikar said.
Tendulkar concluded by saying that sport had taught him some valuable lessons in life as well and stressed the importance of the future generations playing the game of cricket in the right spirit.
"You guys need to remember that you got to compete in the right spirit on the field and respect your opponents. I believe that sport teaches you a lot in life. It champions fitness, improves your health, improves your concentration level. You are able to focus longer and harder. I have also said earlier that something that sport teaches you cannot be learnt in classrooms or boardrooms.
"Sport has also taught me whenever I had to face defeat, to get on to my feet again and compete in the right spirit," Tendulkar signed off.