Sachin Tendulkar's [ Images ] humility has bowled over Australian batsman Philip Hughes, who says it was a fantastic experience to get tips from the Indian icon over a cup of coffee.

"When I was in Mumbai [ Images ] earlier, I had coffee with him and we spoke for about an hour. He asked me so many questions and I also put across many queries. He is a fantastic man and very humble," Hughes said.

"He told me that I should try to play my natural game. We also talked a lot about other things in general. I also asked him a lot of questions about his career," the 21-year-old left-hander from New South Wales said.

Set to fill in the boots of prolific opener Matthew Hayden [ Images ], Hughes said he is focussed on cementing his place in the side.

"It's great to be in the squad. Sachin, Rahul Dravid [ Images ] and VVS Laxman [ Images ], they are all great batsmen. I may not be part of the main team now, but you never know when that opportunity comes," said Hughes, who made his Test debut against South Africa [ Images ] last year.

For Hughes, batting coach Justin Langer is his idol while he feels skipper Ricky Ponting [ Images ] is a "fantastic guy and a great leader".

The young Aussie is also excited about Indian food and likes Kashmiri and Punjabi food in particular.

"I love Rogan Josh, butter chicken and Naan," he said.

Australia [ Images ] play their first Test of the two-match series against India [ Images ] at Mohali on Friday.