'Sachin should open'

Ajit Wadekar, who led India to back-to-back away Test series triumphs in the West Indies and England (both in 1971), and then coached the national team successfully in the early and mid-1990s, believes Sachin Tendulkar has a lot more to offer to Team India. Says Wadekar, "He is one of those seniors, who, even after he gets out, does not sulk in a corner. He is quick to help out the younger cricketers. During practice, he constantly advises the bowlers. He is almost like a deputy coach. He might look serious, but has a great sense of humour which helps him break the ice with the youngsters."

Having been Tendulkar's coach in the Indian team during his formative years, Wadekar talks about the legendary cricketer's approach. "He is so focussed. In fact, even after he had scored a hundred, I used to tell him that he should have made more runs. He always took it in the right spirit. He has battled the injuries bravely, and could be in cracking form in the World Cup provided his batting order is not tampered with. He should open."