Tendulkar scored a record 34,347 international runs in 664 matches from 1989-2013.
Former Indian captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has heaped praise on the batting great Sachin Tendulkar, saying the master blaster’s batting is “closest to being called perfect.”
Tendulkar's name is synonymous with cricket and when it comes to batting, no talk would ever be complete without the mention of one of the greatest batsmen of world cricket. This is thanks to Indian cricket legend’s exploits with the willow and most importantly his technique, which gave him the ability to score runs irrespective of conditions or playing under pressure, and notching up hundreds.
The batting maestro will always be an inspiration for millions and tales of his heroic batting performances would certainly inspire generations of cricketers across the globe.
Hailing Tendulkar, Gavaskar, who himself is regarded as one of the best openers to have ever played the game, said he has seen many cricketers but no one came close to batting perfection like batting master.
Gavaskar told India Today: “As far as I am concerned, the closest thing to batting perfection… Sachin Tendulkar. I’ve never seen a batsman (like him) and I’ve seen many from the time I was growing up, from the time I played and now from the time I’ve been watching cricket, I’ve seen many terrific batsmen but nobody had come close to batting perfection as Sachin Tendulkar has.”
The legendary cricketer further explained, “The backlift, the head, the balance, everything, the way he would lean forward, the balance when he’d play off the front foot, the balance when he would play off the back foot, on the offside, on the leg side... And later on, when the T20 came in, playing the scoop shot, he pulled it off fantastically. He had everything. He is definitely among the top three cricketers that I have had the privilege of following.”
Noteworthy, Tendulkar had made his India debut at the age of 16 in 1989 in Pakistan and called time on his illustrious 24-year-old career in 2013 after playing a record 200 Tests and 463 ODIs.