Sachin Tendulkar can dictate when to leave, says Brian Lara .
Considering his exploits for over
two decades, senior India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has reached a
position from where he can “dictate” when he wants to call it quits in Test
cricket, West Indies batting legend Brian Lara said on Thursday.
“I think with his performance for
India, he is a performer for the world, I think he can now dictate when he
(want) to leave the game,” Lara said.
“Obviously he has stepped aside for
all the other versions of the game. I am sure he wants to play a few more Test
matches and he should be allowed to. It has been a great career and someone
that will be sorely missed when he leaves. I don’t think we should push him out
too quickly,” Lara told reporters on the sidelines of a Dell event.
Speaking about India’s chances of
winning the Champions Trophy, the Trinidadian said the team has been consistent
and needs to continue in the same vein.
“Obviously over the last few years
under the leadership of (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, they have gained a lot of
success. I think this is the one trophy that has eluded them. They are in prime
position to do well.
“If India goes on to win, I am not
sure if the match is over yet (against Sri Lanka) I don’t want to spoil the
party, but if they do, they are facing the host England. Some nine years ago,
England lost to the West Indies. You tend to feel that there might be a little
bit in it for England.
“India has played very good cricket
and they have been very consistent. They have just got to keep it up for
another one and half games,” he said.
The 44-year old praised the Indian
batting greats and said they have inspired the youngsters.
“I think they have done very well.
(Shikhar) Dhawan has been a top performer. I think it’s a great team. I want to
commend the older heads like Sachin, (Rahul) Dravid and all the players of
recent past who have given these youngsters something to look upto.
“I think these youngsters are
relishing the opportunity to play for India, having been inspired by the past
players. You have got a good team not just for the finals on Sunday but you
have got a good team for many other tournaments,” he said.
West Indies host Sri Lanka and India
in a tri-series later this month and Lara hoped the Caribbean side would emerge
victorious after a poor show at the Champions Trophy.
“I think the team has done pretty
well. We have gone on a good run in Test matches. A bit unfortunate in the
Champions Trophy with the loss against South Africa. It looked like we were
going to win. I wouldn’t be down on the team at all. I think they have to
regroup now.
“They have a tri-nation series
coming up against India and Sri Lanka. Playing at home we want to come out on
top at that. It is very important especially if you have a semifinalist in Sri
Lanka in this tournament (Champions Trophy) and a finalist in India.
“If we can come up victorious in
that series, it does well for our cricket and then we can go to other things in
future,” said Lara.
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