Sachin Tendulkar would be 42 when the next World Cup comes around but former Australian batsman Adam Gilchrist says the Indian batting icon could well be seen in action in the mega—event as he is “ageless“.
Gilchrist heaped praise on Tendulkar, who would be celebrating his 38th birthday on April 24.
“Sachin is ageless,” Gilchrist told PTI here.
“He has obviously shown his desire and hunger to continue and that’s great for him. Sachin is one of the iconic figures in world cricket history,” he said.
Speaking in a lighter vein, Gilchrist said that he would not be surprised to see Tendulkar playing in the next World Cup.
“Anything is possible with Sachin,” Gilchrist, the veteran of 96 Tests and 287 ODIs, said.
Former Australian all—rounder Michael Bevan, who is coaching the Kings XI Punjab, said Tendulkar loves his batting.
“He certainly spends lot of time at the crease. He has been batting extremely well and when you are part of the successful team, it is always more enjoyable,” 40-year-old Bevan told PTI here.
When asked if the IPL can spur same frenzy among fans as seen in the recently—concluded World Cup in the sub—continent, Gilchrist said cricket never ceases in this cricket—crazy nation.
“Fans are hungry for more and they want to see more of cricket. Indian victory in the World Cup has further raised the anticipation of fans, who are eagerly waiting for the IPL,” he said.
Gilchrist, who does not feel it would be right to call his team underdogs, said his players were ready for the challenge and the absence of icon players in the side was not a matter of concern.
“In our team, we are all equals,” he said, adding that the presence of big stars in a team does not necessarily make it the favourite.
Both Gilchrist and Bevan told PTI that motivating the new team was something they were not too worried about.
On strategy they would have for Yuvraj Singh, Gilchrist said, “Hopefully, we will get him out early.”
Gilchrist, who has featured in 68 Twenty20s, praised the 29—year—old dashing left—hander, saying, “He is in fine touch and full on confidence.”
If Yuvraj would have the crowd support while playing in Mohali, Gilchrist said during his IPL experience in the past, he had seen people supporting the domestic players all the way.
“They (India) have won the World Cup. It’s a patriotic nation that wants to support its heroes. That’s fine for me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bevan said it won’t be difficult to motivate the team but added that it was always a challenge to coach a team that had the mix of domestic Indian players, international cricketers and the foreigners.
“As a coach, you have got to be mindful of this, what you have to do right to get the best out of them. It’s about creating an environment so that players are able to give their best,” 40—year—old Bevan said.
“For me, the key focus is to increase speed of their improvement. It’s not a case of if they will come through, but when they will come through,” he said about the team.
