Treat this like a Test match and set attacking fields, Sachin tells Ras

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar will be rooting for Indian victory but at the same time would keep a keen eye on David Warner, Rashid Khan and Jofra Archer, the players who can be potential 'game changers' in the six World Cup weeks. Tendulkar's suggestion for the Afghan star Rashid Khan is to "set attacking fields" and treat the 50-over game like a "Test match", challenging the opposition batsmen regularly.

"I think he's [Rashid] going to be instrumental in creating those upsets in this tournament. If I have to tell him something, I would say, 'Look, treat this like a Test match. Because even in the T20 format, you've been able to pick wickets because the batters have not read what you've done with your wrist.

And you do that, back yourself, have an attacking field, and challenge batters to hit over mid-on and mid-off,'" Tendulkar said on his commentary debut on Star Sports. Tendulkar wants Rashid to challenge batsmen with a deep mid-wicket fielder. "Of course, deep mid-wicket has to be there in today's format. But I would say challenge the batters and you won't disappoint the Afghanistan fans."

For Tendulkar, Warner's peak fitness during IPL was key to his stellar show. "I saw him [Warner] in the IPL and he made a huge statement there. He looked hungry, determined, focussed and fitter. Warner was anyway fit, but he looked unbelievably fit [in the IPL]. In extreme conditions, he pushed himself and ran hard. He looks determined," he said.

Archer's ability to bowl brilliant deliveries in crunch situations has impressed the batting maestro. "I know, in crunch moments, England are always going to look at Jofra Archer to bowl those tight overs or for a breakthrough."

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