Tendulkar needs no advice: Vengsarkar

Former India captain and chairman of the national selection committee, Dilip Vengsarkar, has stated in a press release that Sachin Tendulkar is not only a great role model for the younger generation in India, but also for players all over the world.

“India can take pride in the fact that players (juniors and seniors) want to opt for the Tendulkar template of approaching the game. It is unfortunate that a lot is being said about his (lack of) form by sections of the print and electronic media.''

Vengsarkar asks whether India has a player of Sachin's class in its midst at the moment.

“Our bench strength is not at all that solid whereby we can hope to fill the void left by some great players in time to come. Sachin may be nearing 39 years of age, but I strongly feel that he is as fit and as charged up, if not more, than any of the players playing for India at present. His focus, dedication, and commitment to the team are unparalleled, to say the least.''

He further says that Sachin's sheer presence can mould future generation of Indian cricketers.

“This is not just an opinion, but a fact if you take into consideration the Mumbai team of yesteryear being strong because we had Test players playing club and inter-office cricket regularly in Mumbai. This helped upcoming, young cricketers immensely. There is no need to advise the legend to hang up his boots when he himself, I am sure, will do so when the time is right for him to do so.'' — Special Correspondent