Sachin Tendulkar reveals how he feared Hansie Cronje as a bowler

While speaking on day 2 of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Sachin was asked which bowler he feared during 24-year career for the Indian team.

“Hansie Cronje. People don’t believe me but there were times when I was well set and Hansie came and I told my partner, I will play off Alan Donald or Shaun Pollock, you please deal with him for me,” replied Tendulkar to the surprise of the crowd. Although it appears to be a surprising choice, Sachin also made the same claim in his autobiography "Playing it my way" as well.

When asked if he was a better leg spinner, off-spinner or medium pacer, Sachin came out with a hilarious response stating, “Sachin Tendulkar the fast bowler, you have missed out by the way (laughs). You ask all the batters in the nets how fast my balls would come from the 16 yards. To help them practice against a certain type of delivery, I would bowl in certain areas they would want me to bowl.”

Sachin, who was a part of two great Indian Test teams under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, heaped praise on the current crop of Indian Test players.

"Virat Kohli’s team has the right balance. The batting line is very strong and there is great balance in batting and bowling. More importantly, you have the best man in the dressing room, Anil Kumble," Tendulkar said.

Over his long 24-year-career, Sachin found himself at the non-striker's end watching a lot of great cricketers showing off their skills with the bat. 

When he was asked who he enjoyed watching the most from the bowler's end, his reply was almost instant. “Sehwag, it was a roller coaster ride to watch him bat,” he said.

You can watch the full interview here: