Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday (July 18) got inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame for his astonishing achievements in international cricket. Tendulkar became only the sixth Indian to receive this honour after Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid.

Besides Sachin, former South African pacer Allan Donald and Australian women cricketer Cathryn Fitzpatrick were also named in the Hall of Fame during a glittering ceremony in London.

Speaking to the ICC, Tendulkar was asked where he would rank this among a list of achievements and awards over the last two decades. To which the batting maestro replied, "I think all awards are important and I don't like to compare them. Each award and appreciation has its own place"

"I value it and this is what I have been able to achieve after 24 years on the field and that has been appreciated by ICC and its committee member who felt I was worthy enough to be a part of Hall of Fame list. It's an incredible list and I'm privileged"

He also spoke about how being recognized at any level works as a driving force to do even better.

"When you get recognized, that is a kind of tonic which everyone needs in life at various stages. I think that is the best thing to happen. Appreciation. Nothing works like that. If you start appreciating good performances, good chances of bettering them."

Talking about his heroes, Tendulkar said he always looked up to his father while he named Sir Vivian Richards and the legendary Sunil Gavaskar as his batting idols.

"I always wanted to be like my father in person. When it comes to cricket, I have got two batting heroes, Sir Vivian Richards and Sunil Gavaskar. When it comes to cricket, you don't think of anyone else as a batsman at least and for me those guys were the ultimate batters," Sachin remarked.

Asked to pick the most memorable moment of his illustrious 24-year long career, Tendulkar didn't have to think twice as he picked the 2011 World Cup triumph.

"Without any doubt, it has to be the 2011 World Cup because when you lift that beautiful trophy, it's just impossible to express that feeling. it takes time to sink in. it took me a while to register that 'Oh we have already become the world champions, the tournament is over, no more matches'. It's the greatest feeling in life," he concluded.

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