Everyone knew Sachin wasu00a0a rare talent
He had come to the MRF Pace Foundation (Chennai) for trials which I was a part of too. He batted in the nets against the fast bowlers. I have known him since then.u00a0We met again in the Irani Trophy which was played at the Wankhede Stadium where he scored a hundred in the second innings. I also picked up a few wickets in that match. From the very first Test, he was a certainty in the playing XI. He was given a lot of confidence. Everyone knew he was a different player… a rare talent. Everything was right about him. The hunger and focus was unmatched.