Saqlain Mushtaq is widely regarded as one of Pakistan's greatest spinners.
Rivalry aside, there is also mutual respect between the cricketers of both countries. While most Pakistani cricketers envy the rich batting talents of Team India, the same holds true for Indian players when it comes to Pakistan’s fast bowling resources.
Recently, legendary Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq shared his experience of bowling to Indian batters and named the toughest ones he had faced during his playing days.
Speaking on the Nadir Ali podcast, Saqlain said Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were the toughest to bowl to. While the great off-spinner dismissed them on numerous occasions, the wickets never came easy to him.
“Sachin and Dravid. I have gotten them both out but you have a play a long game. There is a difference between catching a rat and catching a tiger. These batters, you can’t catch them like rat. I had to think for hours about how to fox them, trap them and get them out. Sometimes I bowled 20 overs, and even then, I couldn’t. So, it’s not easy. In order to get the better of world-class batters, you have to broaden your thinking, show patience, and keep trying,” he stated.
Saqlain Mushtaq also claimed that he had threatened former India batter Ajay Jadeja almost on every occasion they came against each other.
“There was a time when Ajay Jadeja’s face used to go pale upon seeing me bowl. I’m sure he never lasted one full over against me. He always got out and even told me. But all the other players - Sachin, Azharuddin, Ganguly, Dravid were dangerous batters. Very difficult,” Saqlain said.
Saqlain Mushtaq represented Pakistan in 49 Tests and 169 ODIs, claiming a total of 496 scalps with 19 five-wicket hauls.