One of the highlights of Sachin Tendulkar’s illustrious career was his stellar showing in the 2003 edition of ICC Cricket World Cup.

The Indian batting legend’s 673 runs, the most runs scored in a single edition of World Cup to date, won him the Player-of-the-Tournament award as he helped the Men in Blue qualify for the final, where they lost to eventual champions Australia.

Recalling Tendulkar’s exploits from the 2003 World Cup, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh revealed that the Master Blaster didn’t bat in the nets during the showpiece tournament.

“To understand the genius of Sachin Tendulkar, one little story will be enough. During the entire 2003 World Cup in South Africa, Paaji didn’t bat in the nets for even one single day.”

“The Indian bowling unit performed well but neither Javagal Srinath, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan nor Anil Kumble or myself bowled even once to him at nets during the tournament,” Harbhajan said in a conversation with news agency PTI.

Sachin Tendulkar’s standout performance in that World Cup was his match-winning knock of 98 in 75 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan at Centurion.

“In 2003, we didn’t have those throw-down apparatus (Robo-Arm), like we have today. But we had a gentleman named Shyamal, who would give Paaji throw-downs from 18 yards, and at times, 16 yards. He would take throw-downs for hours and that was his practice,” said Harbhajan on Tendulkar’s preparation methods.

“He was very big on preparation and visualisation of bowlers he would face. In those pre-analytics days, in his head, he knew how to tackle each bowler,” he added.

The great off-spinner hailed Tendulkar as someone who comes close to perfection in the sport.

“He had all shots in the book. During my peak, no one played my doosra in the Indian nets as comfortably as Sachin did. Man, he could read the hand of the bowlers and in a flash would adjust his footwork.

“Yes, I have dismissed him a number of times in the nets but he has also hammered me. No one played the conventional sweep like he did. He knew when to play the sweep shot up in the air or when to just play the paddle and keep the ball along the ground.”

Harbhajan also shared a message for Sachin Tendulkar, who will turn 50 on Tuesday (April 24).

“Just pray for a long, healthy life and keep inspiring us like you have always done.”

(With PTI Inputs)