Yuvraj salutes 'grandfather' Tendulkar

He is nearing 20 years in international cricket and it is not surprising that some of his younger team-mates call him "grandfather".

Playing rich tribute to Sachin Tendulkar's [ Images ] contribution to the game over the last 20 years during which he has broken every possible batting record, Yuvraj said: "We call him grandfather. Someone who has played the game for so long and is a legend and still wants to improve; it is just amazing. He still wants to bowl in the nets, he still wants to improve."

The left-hander says there is a lot to learn from the master batsman and the way he prepares for a game.

"He always says that whatever level you reach, getting better never stops," Yuvraj said in New Delhi [ Images ] on Saturday after India beat Australia by six wickets in the third ODI of the seven-match series.

Yuvraj, who also made his international debut at the young age of 18, believes it will be difficult for anyone to keep playing at the highest level for 20 years.

"He has played for 20 years and that is just amazing, because I don't think anyone will play cricket for 20 years. It is going to be tough but hats off to Sachin," said the left-hander.