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'Batsmen are willing to take more chances'
The game has undergone a huge transformation ever since Sachin Tendulkar made his debut in 1989 but one change that the iconic Indian batsman notices most in the last 20 years is that Test cricket has become more attacking following the Twenty20 revolution.
Tendulkar played his first Test against Pakistan in 1989 and on Tuesday became the highest capped player by playing in his 169th match.
-169 Tests and counting. Congratulate Sachin!
Just ahead of the third Test match against Sri Lanka, Tendulkar was asked what has changed in the last 20 years and he replied that the shorter versions of the game have impacted Test cricket in some way.
"There have been changes in the 20 years I have been part of. In One-day cricket there have been changes. With the introduction of Twenty20 cricket, Test cricket also possibly is getting more attacking," Tendulkar told TEN Sports.
"I feel batsmen are willing to take more chances and that's probably due to one-day cricket and latest introduction of Twenty20. Because of that they are getting more innovative and prepared to take some risks," he said.
Photographs: Reuters
'I felt completely out of place'
The 37-year-old said he had doubt of excelling after playing his first Test.
"In 1989, I remember playing the first Test match. I felt completely out of place having played just one first class season, although I had scored runs. But there was a lot of difference between facing first class bowlers and Wasim (Akram) Waqar (Younis),Imran (Khan) and Abdul Kadir.
"I thought, this is probably my first and last but luckily I got another chance and scored runs in the second match. From there on I thought I belong here and I can manage," he said.
Photographs: Rediff archives
Greatest compliment
He has been eulogised all along his career but the compliment Tendulkar treasures most is that of legendary Australian Sir Donlad Bradman.
"The greatest compliment I have got in my life when sir Don himself said that 'his batting style is similar to mine'. That's a huge compliment and then when I got included in all time World XI by him that felt great. It was a big more booster for me. As a sportsman you want to appreciated and when top personalities appreciate you that feels great.
"After that I felt I am among the top guys. Getting to the number one spot and from there it is individual opinion. If you are regarded as one of the best, which should be the dream, gives great satisfaction," he said.
Photographs: Reuters