Considering his exploits for over two decades, senior India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has reached a position from where he can "dictate" when he wants to call it quits in Test cricket, West Indies batting legend Brian Lara said today.
"I think Sachin his performance for India, Sachin he is a performer for the world, I think he can now dictate when he (want) to leave the game," Lara said. "Obviously he has stepped aside for all the other versions of the game.
Brian Lara
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I am sure he wants to play a few more Test matches and he should be allowed to. It has been a great career and someone that will be sorely missed when he leaves. I don't think we should push him out too quickly," Lara told reporters on the sidelines of a Dell event.
Speaking about India's chances of winning the Champions trophy, the Trinidadian said the team has been consistent and needs to continue in the same vein. "Obviously over the last few years under the leadership of (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, they have gained a lot of success.
I think this is the one trophy that has eluded them. They are in prime position to do well. "If India goes on to win, I am not sure if the match is over yet (against Sri Lanka) I don't want to spoil the party, but if they do, they are facing the host England.
Some nine years ago, England lost to the West Indies. You tend to feel that there might be a little bit in it for England. "India has played very good cricket and they have been very consistent.
They have just got to keep it up for another one and half games," he said. The 44-year old praised the Indian batting greats and said they have inspired the youngsters.
"I think they have done very well. (Shikhar) Dhawan has been a top performer. I think it's a great team. I want to commend the older heads like Sachin, (Rahul) Dravid and all the players of recent past who have given these youngsters something to look upto.
"I think these youngsters are relishing the opportunity to play for India, having been inspired by the past players. You have got a good team not just for the finals on Sunday but you have got a good team for many other tournaments," he said.
West Indies host Sri Lanka and India in a tri-series later this month and Lara hoped the Caribbean side would emerge victorious after a poor show at the Champions Trophy. "I think the team has done pretty well. We have gone on a good run in Test matches.
A bit unfortunate in the Champions Trophy with the loss against South Africa. It looked like we were going to win. I wouldn't be down on the team at all. I think they have to regroup now.
"They have a tri-nation series coming up against India and Sri Lanka. Playing at home we want to come out on top at that. It is very important especially if you have a semi-finalist in Sri Lanka in this tournament (Champions Trophy) and a finalist in India. "If we can come up victorious in that series, it does well for our cricket and then we can go to other things in future," said Lara. u00a0
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