Durani asks Sachin to go for 400

The man who has been known over three decades for his towering sixes ' on demand ' has one very special demand from our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Salim Durani wants Tendulkar to claim the record for the highest individual Test score, currently held by West Indian Brian Lara. 'Sachin has had an amazing career. He has broken every possible record in the book, and in fact has redefined the records in many cases,' said Durani. (Also Read: Sachin laughs off 'emphatic 100th ton' theory)

'He won the biggest prize in One-Day cricket, the World Cup for India, and now I feel he should concentrate on getting the 400 in Test matches,' he added.

'Sachin is God's gift to Cricket and more so to India, and I always thank the almighty that Sachin was born in this country,' he said.

Commenting on the latest fad to take limited overs cricket by storm, the IPL, Durani said that it is the perfect set-up for the families to come and enjoy the game. 'It's fun, and masala version of the game. The crowds love it, and it also gives youngsters a platform to showcase their skills against the best players from across the world.'

However, he added that top quality players like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman should avoid playing the IPL. 'They are players of great class, and should display their skills in the real arena, that is Test cricket. They have far superior skills than any contemporary batsman in world cricket.'

He found a special mention for hard-hitting all-rounder Yusuf Pathan. Impressed by his batting prowess, Durani said that Pathan should be nurtured well by the Indian team at the number 3 spot. 'Pathan has a great future for Team India, and the captain and coach should ensure that he is nurtured well.'

Sachin - year’s best cricketer

Sachin Tendulkar will be awarded with the Polly Umrigar Trophy for being the best cricketer during the 2009-10 season at the BCCI awards on May 31, the Board said. The World Cup-winning squad will also be felicitated during the function. During the 2009-10 season, Tendulkar scored 1064 runs, including five hundreds and a double ton, from 10 Tests at an average of 82. In 12 ODIs during that period, Tendulkar scored 695 runs at 69.5.Last year he also became the first to score a double hundred in ODIs, against South Africa at Gwalior in February. Tendulkar will receive a trophy and cheque for Rs 5,00,000.

Warne apologises

Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne has apologised for publicly insulting state Cricket Association (RCA) secretary Sanjay Dixit following an internal disciplinary inquiry by the franchise.RR Chief Executive Sean Morris said in an e-mail to RCA secretary Sanjay Dixit that the franchise had decided to take disciplinary action against Warne and the Australian has accepted it. “We have decided to take disciplinary action against the player,” Morris said in the e-mail.

Sachin bags World Cup trophy once again

The owner of a city-based gold jewellery outlet had his glitterati moment when he presented a gold coated replica of the World Cup trophy to Sachin Tendulkar yesterday. T A Sharavana, owner of Sai Gold Palace and ardent cricket fan presented Tendulkar with a bat, ball, and a trophy weighing 5.1 kg made of 4.5 kg silver and 600 gm gold.

Tendulkar and other members of Mumbai Indians were in the city for the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore and obliged to meet this special fan at the hotel where the team is staying. The little master was however taken aback by the gift Sharavana offered. "I have received many gifts from fans after winning the World Cup. All reflect on their love and affection, but this is quite special," said Tendulkar.

Sharavana said, "Sachin is the golden man of cricket. The gift, through small considering his stature, is from my heart." He also celebrated India's win  by offering a holy bath to the idol of Lord Ganesha at the Dodda Ganapathi temple at Basavanagudi.
According to a beaming Sharavana, 15 goldsmiths toiled for two months to prepare the trophy.

Sharavana said, "I had pledged that I would present this special gift to Sachin after India wins the World Cup. Although several people asked me what if we lost the tournament, but I was sure that we would win, and kept the gift ready." Sharavana even convened a cricket homa at which JD (S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda offered pooja on behalf of the Indian team just before the final match. He had also taken Harbhajan Singh to the famous Shani temple in Thyagaraja Nagar when the turbanator was in the city for practice matches before the start of the World Cup tournament.

Sachin Tendulkar and India govern Wisden's Test team of the year

Selecting cricket teams is not just an exercise for academics stuck in boring lectures. The dream team of world cricketers that is the Wisden Test XI, published in this year’s Almanack, contains five Indians, two South Africans, two England bowlers (Graeme Swann and James Anderson), one Sri Lankan and one Bangladeshi, which says a deal about the world game: the countries in which cricket is healthy and the ones in which it is not.

India are No1in the International Cricket Council Test rankings as well as the World Cup holders. One of their five players in the Wisden Test XI is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has been their captain for a few years — and India still have not lost a Test series under him. Dhoni is joined by Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Zaheer Khan and Sachin Tendulkar, who is also Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World.

At the other extreme: no Australian in this year’s Wisden Test XI, no Pakistani, no West Indian and no New Zealander. And this is not narrow-minded, UK-based myopia. The three selectors are the Australian Ian Chappell, the Pakistani Ramiz Raja and the West Indian Ian Bishop. The editor is simply the convenor, with no vote except a casting one in the event of a tie.

No Australian indeed. When Jacques Kallis gets too old to bowl quick, Shane Watson is set to be his successor as the only top-order Test batsman who can bowl pace. Only a couple of days ago he showed what a striker he is by hitting 15 sixes and 15 fours from the 96 balls he faced in scoring 185 in a one-day international against Bangladesh.

Still, it is a bit reminiscent of the fate of West Indies. One decade the world champions and a side packed with great cricketers, the next decade floundering without a great cricketer — or a succession strategy – in sight.

In a way the future looks brighter for Pakistan than Australia. They lost their captain Salman Butt, and their two opening Test bowlers, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, after being suspended and sanctioned by the ICC.

They lost all their home venues, and the advantage that goes with them — and yet they still topped their qualifying Group A in the World Cup, and were knocked out by the holders, India, at the semi-final stage. Talented, resilient, and making the most of creative tension.

No Australian or Pakistani in the Wisden Test XI, but for the first time a Bangladeshi. One selector soberly opted for Andrew Strauss as the opening batsman to partner Sehwag, another for South Africa’s captain, Graeme Smith.

But when the third opted for Tamim Iqbal, I was swayed by the same giddy thought of both openers hitting a hundred in the opening session of the Test match against Mars, and a particular TV commentator at lunch on day one going mad and shouting: “Start the spaceship!”.

Sachin Tendulkar drives out retirement talk

He may not of made a century, but the  "Little Master" left the field with the only medal that had so far eluded him, as India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final in Mumbai.

The 37-year-old could not be blamed for calling time on his prestigous 20-year international career, with many records to his name and even more trophies at his home.

But Tendulkar told CricketWorld.com, "No. This is a moment to enjoy and celebrate. It's not about what I'm going to do in the future. This is a special moment which I really want to enjoy and live it to its fullest.

"This was the reason why I started playing cricket. I wanted to achieve something, do something for the country. The process has been a long one and I've continued to enjoy my game. I don't see any reason why I need to change anything right now."

The 37-year-old said he was still "speechless" after India's success.

"I started playing cricket dreaming of lifting the trophy one day and that is where it all started," he said.

"I am speechless to be honest, to express how I feel. This is by far the best moment. This is the moment I have been waiting for, for such a long time, 21 or 22 years. It is really worth every bit of it. It is really, really special."

Miandad shows support for Afridi's comment

Pakistan cricket legend Javed Miandad feels captain Shahid Afridi's comment about aiming to make Sachin Tendulkar wait for his 100th international century shouldn't be made an issue.

"He (Tendulkar) will have to wait until after the World Cup to reach the landmark. We will try and make sure no batsman plays a long innings (in the semi-final at Mohali)," Afridi reportedly said recently.

"Don't take Afridi's comment too seriously. No captain or team will want runs scored off them. Every team has its strategy after all and Pakistan will try their best to restrict batsmen like Tendulkar," said Miandad, who figured in six World Cups (1975, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1992 and 1996).

He resisted from getting into the merits of each side to name his favourite. "A lot of things are said about strengths on paper.

"On paper, South Africa were better than New Zealand. But what happened in the quarter-final in Dhaka? New Zealand beat the so-called favourites. All that matters is what you do on the day."

Asked whether he would unleash veteran Shoaib Akhtar on India considering that he's had some success against the neighbour, Miandad said: "It depends on his fitness and the pitch at Mohali.

"You chalk out your strategy looking at the strip too. Shoaib's a good fast bowler and well known for his exploits. He can be an option."

Ponting reveals that they will keep Sachin on 99 tons

Apart from aiming to do everything right with a view to pull off a coup against hosts India at the Motera on Thursday, Australian captain Ricky Ponting also has a prayer on his lips that Sachin Tendulkar does not get his 100th hundred against them.

"Sachin has had an amazing couple of years. His last 15 months have been unbelievable. It's absolutely inspirational for everyone, but we only hope the 100th ton doesn't come on Thursday. He'll be doing everything to make sure he gets it, and we'll be doing everything to make sure he stays on 99 for a bit longer," said the Australian captain.

All Ponting is concerned at the moment is Thursday's match and nothing less than a win.

"It doesn't get any bigger, playing India in the quarterfinal in India. It's one of the biggest games I have played as captain. It's going to be enjoyable and exciting. Like us they too will be a bit anxious about the outcome of the game as well," he said.

"Thursday's match will not be about individuals, not about Ponting and Sachin. India are one of the favourite teams, and if we want to win the World Cup we have to win on Thursday."

Sachin never frightened me says Shoaib Akhtar

He has had some of the most memorable on—field battles with Sachin Tendulkar but maverick speedster Shoaib Akhtar claims he was never scared to bowl at the legendary batsman.

Instead, it was dashing Australian ‘keeper—batsman Adam Gilchrist and West Indian legend Brian Lara who “scared the hell” out of him during his 14—year international career.

“Yes, that’s true. But that doesn’t mean I have no respect for Sachin. He is a legend and will always remain as one. But Sachin would never scare me. Guys like Gilchrist and Lara would scare the hell out of me,” Akhtar, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket after the World Cup told espnstar.com in an interview.

Shoaib who played 46 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan was in awe of Lara and Gilchrist.

“Gilchrist would simply take me on. Lara was a class apart.

In fact, I would be so attracted to his persona that I wouldn’t know where to bowl...His body—language was just too cool!”

For someone who has been in the news for his off—field activities as well as his on—field exploits feels that had the iconic former Pakistan captain Imran Khan been around during his playing days, things would have been different.

“He (Imran) was like a father figure. I have missed him badly. If he would have been there, I would have become a better bowler and a better person, may be,” he answered.

Talking about his regular run—ins with the PCB, Akhtar said that it is the system that made an anti—establishment man.

“The system made me quite an anti—establishment person.

Ever since I started playing cricket, I was told that, I wasn’t good enough. Whether at the club level or national or international level, I was told I was never good enough. That made me more determined.

“My system refused to swim with the tide. I was exactly the opposite. In spite of this, I have played cricket with my head held high. No one say I have compromised myself when playing for Pakistan. Have you ever seen me linked with match fixing?” he shot back.

Akhtar, whose career was start—stop one due to numerous injuries including five major knee surgeries also spoke about playing through pain.

“There have been days when five syringes would be inserted on each of my knees to draw out fluid. I would scream with pain because my knees would be swollen like melons and I would feel that someone was ripping off my thigh muscles. But next day, I would go there and fire the ball at close to 150 kmph or more. That’s Shoaib Akhtar for you.

“There were two Shoaib Akhtars in me. One that told me to ’give up cricket’ and the other one that said ‘conquer the odds.’ The second one always prevailed. It’s because of this today I am playing the World Cup.”

He was a touch emotional as he termed his retirement as his second death.

“I am surrounded by some sort of emptiness and sadness.

For 20 years, I have fought to play cricket. I fought injuries, I fought against so many things. Now I have decided to leave something I loved. It hurts.”

Having got a lot of fame, money and adulation from the game, the star cricketer wants to give something back to the society. In fact, like his idol Imran Khan, Shoaib wants to build a hospital.

“I want to build a hospital in Islamabad... somewhere in the remote hills where no one can imagine. I will lay the first brick and then God will help me do the rest. My real life begins now, the life away from the spotlight. There are so many things that I want to do now. I want to leave my mark on the common man.”

He makes no bones about the fact the he wants to emulate Imran.

“What Imran has done is unimaginable. People call him a cricketer—turned—politician, but I call him a revolutionary, a visionary. When you step in his cancer hospital, you get the feel of what he has done. I want to emulate him.”

A ton and Victory is needed from Sachin

The performance of the two English off-spinners against the West Indies on Thursday has made life easier for India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Going by what James Tredwell and Graeme Swann did at the Chepauk, Dhoni would be itching to unleash R Ashwin when India take on Darren Sammy & Co at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday.

Though the Men in Blue would be keeping a close watch on the South Africa-Bangladesh match, to be played in Mirpur on Saturday, Dhoni will want to end India’s league campaign with a big win and carry that momentum into the knockouts.

A South African win in Mirpur will leave India fighting for the No 2 in the group. Conversely, an upset across the eastern border will give India an opportunity to top the group, provided they beat the West Indies.

India can be knocked out only if Bangladesh win in Mirpur and West Indies beat Dhoni & Co by a really huge margin. Keeping these equations aside, India will be looking to take full advantage of the spinning conditions.

The middle-order collapse in Nagpur has prompted Dhoni to make a few changes. Suresh Raina is all set to play his first World Cup game. Ashwin, his Chennai Super Kings teammate, will also play. Yusuf Pathan will most likely sit out.

Meanwhile, the focus will be on Sachin Tendulkar. The maestro is one hundred away from completing a century of centuries.

On the other hand, the West Indies would be kicking themselves for losing on Thursday. A Bangladesh win would make Sunday’s encounter a must-win match for the Windies.

Given that they have beaten a Test-playing nation just once in their last 13 ODIs, the West Indies would be looking to make amends. Their fate will depend on the form of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Kemar Roach.

It would be interesting to see how the West Indies try and stop an in-form Virender Sehwag. He may be nursing a sore knee, but there’s no way Sehwag would sit out of Sunday’s game.

Devendra Bishoo, who had a memorable debut on Thursday, could surprise India’s batting line-up. No matter what happens in Mirpur, Indians all over the world would be hoping for a triple treat — an Indian win, R Ashwin’s long-awaited World Cup debut and Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th international century.

Srikkanth asks Sachin to score his 100th ton in Chennai

Chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth has urged Sachin Tendulkar to score his 100th hundred here.

The M A Chidambaram Stadium which hosts Sunday's India vs West Indies game is one of Tendulkar’s happy hunting grounds. In a career spanning 22 international seasons, some of his most memorable Test knocks were played here.

However, Tendulkar has played just five one-dayer’s here, and is eyeing his maiden century. "This is one of his favourite venues, he always gets a lot of runs here. It would be a memorable moment if he can create history here and score his 100th century. My best wishes, as always, are with him. It'll be the ideal ground to get such a milestone, the city will party for days," Srikkanth, Tendulkar's first India captain, said. "There's something about Sachin and Chepauk. He always seems to play well here. This ground has gone through a lot of renovation, and I am sure he would enjoy entertaining the crowd here. It's easily one of the prettiest venues in the world. The ventilation is excellent and players won't feel exhausted or dehydrated like they used to before. Earlier, it used to get very hot here because of the concrete. But the renovation work has made life simpler for both spectators and players," he added.

Meanwhile, Srikkanth got nostalgic while recalling India's one-run defeat to Australia in the team's opening match of the 1987 World Cup here. Chasing 271, India collapsed from 207-2 to 269 all out. Navjot Singh Sidhu (73) and Srikkanth (70) took the hosts to a position of dominance until quick bowler Craig McDermott wreaked havoc. "It was the victory that gave Australia confidence to go further in the competition. We were clearly the favourites and should have won it hands down. Even though Australia scored 270, we were off to a blazing start. Sidhu and I dominated their bowlers, but we collapsed," said Srikkanth.

"The Aussies had no chance of beating us those days, but somehow they clawed their way back. There is some connection between Chennai and Australia, they always do well here. Dating back to the tied Test in 1986, they have had a love affair with Chennai. It was a great game, a cult classic, and it was after this win, that Allan Border and Co believed they were good enough. And the final result was there for all to see ” they went on to win the World Cup," signed off Srikkanth.

IAF may award Sachin if India win World Cup

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday said it will mull over giving an award to batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who is also an Honorary Group Captain, if the country win the ongoing cricket world cup.

"We all love Sachin and he is an Honorary Group Captain. But at the present moment I won't comment. But it is a good idea. After going back, we will discuss it with our legal people and consider it," IAF chief Air Chief Marshal PV Naik told reporters.

He was asked if the IAF was planning to announce any award for Sachin if India win the World Cup.

Sachin was conferred with IAF's honorary rank of Group Captain to honour his cricketing skills in September last year.

He is also likely to fly in a Su-30 MKI after the World Cup gets over and figured in IAF's annual calendar in flying suit.

Tendulkar a dream wicket for Dockrell

India — Ireland teenager George Dockrell said it had been a "dream come true" for him to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar after the underdogs gave World Cup co-hosts India a fright.

India won the Group B match against the associate nation by five wickets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Sunday.

But they were made to work hard for their success by an Ireland side that had already produced the performance of this World Cup to beat England by three wickets, and who ought to have defeated Bangladesh in their tournament opener.

Left-arm spinner Dockrell had batting great Tendulkar lbw for 38 and later dismissed India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also leg before, on his way to fine figures of two for 49 in 10 overs -- not bad for an 18-year-old.

"I am a big fan of Sachin Tendulkar," Dockrell told Tuesday's Deccan Herald. "I tried to catch a glimpse of him at training sessions here in Bangalore. I admire his style of batting.

"And getting him out was a dream come true."

Ireland could only manage 207 all out against India but bowled and fielded tigerishly to have their opponents in trouble at 100 for four.

A packed crowd made almost as much an impression upon Dockrell as the India batsmen, with the youngster relishing the experience.

"We were looking forward to playing in front of a full house and so much cheering, noise, hooting and energy from 45,000 people was amazing. It added that much needed excitement to the game."

But Dockrell added: "It pays to be calm yet persistent. There's no point getting worked-up. You can't prevent what's to come but you can give every moment your best shot."

An unbeaten 50 from Yuvraj Singh, who'd earlier taken five wickets, saw India home and emphasised the depth of their batting line-up.

"They're iconic and their commitment to the sport is unmatched," Dockrell said of India's star-studded top order. "There's so much power in them."

Ireland, who've still to play the West Indies, South Africa and the Netherlands, are fifth in Group B and in the hunt for a quarter-final spot, with the top four sides in both pools going through to the last eight.

Vivek Oberoi desires World cup for Sachin

These days actor Vivek Oberoi has just one wish that he desperately wants to be fulfilled.

With the ongoing World Cup and cricket fever catching on, Vivek is unable to think beyond the game.

The actor who is a die hard cricket fan has been following all the matches and is also keeping a tab on how the various teams are performing. And like any other Indian, Vivek too wants that the Men in Blue to bring the trophy home. However, more than India, Vivek wants the World Cup for Sachin Tendulkar.

Talking about WC on his micro-blog, Vivek said, "I want India to win the World Cup for every player and every fan like me that's been hoping and praying for it, but most of all---I want India to win it for Tendulkar."

The actor further pointed out, "This will probably be his last World Cup and it would be a shame for the greatest cricketer ever to have not won the World Cup in a 20 year career! Fingers crossed! C'mon India!" Now, isn't that a sentiment that every Sachin Tendulkar fan will share?

World Cup logo is tattooed by Sofia Hayat

Sofia Hayat, the Britain-based actor of Pakistani origin, got a temporary tattoo of the World Cup logo on her back and says she is impressed with the Indian team's performance in the opening games of the tournament and hopes that they win the cup.

"I wish India wins this World Cup as I love India. Sachin [Tendulkar], Yuvraj [Singh], Virat [Kohli)], M S Dhoni, Zaheer [Khan] and Suresh Raina are great players. They should win," said Hayat.

"I am showing my love and support for Team India by getting my back painted and my hair stylist will make Paul the octopus with my hair. Jai Hind!" said Hayat.

Sofia, also a singer and model, is in India to shoot for director Vinod Mukhia's women-oriented drama Diary of a Butterfly.

Sachin in Worldcup

Even as Sachin Tendulkar went on cracking yet another rollicking century in the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, thousands of his fans were treated to a raw deal outside the venue.

They had bought valid tickets —of the cheapest denomination — but could not enter the park on time to catch the master blaster in action. Besides, they were at the receiving end of the police cane at least a dozen times.

The authorities had provided just one entry point to them, where the police frisked each one in detail, further delaying their entry. By the time several of them managed to get in, the Indian innings was halfway through.

Those who managed to enter the stadium missed Tendulkar. Several others went home disappointed, hoping to catch the match on television.

More than 4,000 ticket-holders were queueing up outside the stadium, the queue winding all the way from a corner of the Cubbon Park to Anil Kumar Circle on MG Road. The crowd became restless as the start of the match neared, and police had to use canes to keep them under control. Five among the crowd were injured in the incident.

Incidentally, many of cricket fans, including women, had joined the queue in the morning itself. They waited patiently, the tricolour painted on their faces, and held banners meant to cheer their favourite players and team. There was no separate queue for women.

Some people went around in a procession, waving the Indian tricolour, and shouting slogans in favour of the home team. Roads around the stadium were choked from 9am.

Several cricket buffs expressed their anger, and entered into heated argument with the police, after many England fans had an easy access to the stadium, bypassing the queue. Many Indian fans were also seen escorted inside without having to stand in the queue. It was later learnt that they were ushered in following a “special request from the KSCA.”

Team Blue braces up for World Cup

Dhoni and his men assembled in the first half of Wednesday and soon took to the nets at Bangalore's National Cricket Academy. The men in blue were seen in their red training attire as they arrived at the Chinnaswamy Stadium a little while earlier. Maruti showrooms in India

Sachin Tendulkar, Vidrender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were expected to undergo fitness tests at the start of the session. Over the next four days, the Indian team will be seen training hard before they take on the might of defending champions Australia in their first warm-up game on Sunday.

But besides honing their skills under the guidance of coach Gary Kirsten and his support staff, Indians are also expected to spend a lot of time on the drawing board formulating strategies for the bigger challenges ahead. Used cars Delhi

Sachin Crickting God

Many a time, his mother and wife are at the receiving end of his occasional outbursts, the batting maestro himself revealed at a function on Saturday.for sale cars

Speaking after releasing a collection of poems penned by his brother Nitin and a CD containing Marathi poems written by his father late Ramesh Tendulkar, the champion batsman said sometimes he does get angry on the field.

"But you have to control your temper on the ground as you are representing India. Sometimes I take out frustration in the dressing room. Many times there are situations when decisions go against you and the match is lost. It has happened many times, but I don't need to take the name of umpires," the 37-year-old veteran of 177 Tests said.

Asked whether he fears his mother or wife's temper, the master blaster said actually they fear his anger.

"I don't react on the ground. But I give vent to my feeling at home."Hyundai showrooms

Tendulkar, who at times became emotional, recalled his formative years in Shardasram School at Dadar and thanked his aunt and uncle with whom he stayed for a few years.

"I would stay with my aunt and uncle at Shivaji Park when I was in VIII standard as otherwise I had to change two buses in the morning to reach the school from my residence at Bandra. Going to school and practising cricket was tiring.ebikes in india

"I used to get exhausted sometimes and sleep without taking food. I will never forget what they did for me. They fed me while I felt sleepy and also massaged my feet. I take this opportunity to thank them," he said in an emotionally-choked voice.

Responding to reports about his proposed sortie in Sukhoi as mooted by Indian Air Force, Tendulkar said it would be a great honour to fly in the fighter jet.

"I have a passion for speed. In 1996, I sat in a fighter plane in South Africa. I will definitely fly in Sukhoi. It would be an honour," he said.used cars mumbai

Pakistan Players Learn From Tendulkar: Javid Miandad

"I would advise them to just focus on their game and gofor improvement and take every match seriously. The playersneed to realise cricket is played on the field.

"They should learn from Sachin who has had a wonderfulcareer and scored century after century but one never hearhim making tall claims about his performances or achievements.

He is a proper professional and someone our players can learnfrom," the veteran of 124 Tests insisted.

Miandad also called on captain, Shahid Afridi to takemore responsibility as a player and lift the team by exampleand said that the all-rounder has got enough amount of talentand he should channelise it properly.electric bike in India

"He shouldn''t be playing the way he is. Imran Khan is agreat example of how a captain should perform.

"Imran lifted the team in the 1992 World Cup. Afridineeds to start doing that himself. He did it during the WorldT20 Championship so he is perfectly capable of delivering,"Miandad said.

He emphasised, "He (Afridi) has immense talent which hedoes not utilise properly at times."

Urging the players to take the current one-day seriesagainst New Zealand seriously Miandad said,"Unfortunatelywhat I noticed was that the players didn''t appear seriousabout their business in the first match in Wellington theytook things lightly. In international cricket this is notacceptable."

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Tendulkar injury and Return India

Tendulkar, who was playing his 444th ODI on Saturday, made 24 during India’s innings but did not return to field. “We will have to open with someone,” captain MS Dhoni said after the match. “I don’t know what’s happening, whether we are getting someone from India (as replacement) or not. The visa will take three days at least, he will take the next flight, and by the time he comes here we will have just one match left. I don’t know who will open.”

However, the BCCI has already decided on sending Parthiv Patel as Tendulkar’s replacement for the rest of the series. “Sachin Tendulkar will not take further part in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa due to a hamstring injury. Parthiv Patel is being flown to South Africa as his replacement,” BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said in a release.