WATCH : Sachin Tendulkar fondly recalls how he outfoxed Chris Cairns
A primary reason why the short-framed Sachin Tendulkar is today a batting legend is his ability to think on his feet and remain a step ahead of his opposition. In this video, he reveals an instance when he and Dravid decoded Chris Cairns unplayable reverse swings, exhibiting his genius once again.
One of the very few positives that happen when a sporting legend retires is that fans get to know numerous backstories and on-field incidents that had so far been curtained by professional commitments and sports ethics. Hence, when India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar retired from the game after 21 years, he was bringing with himself a gold mine of memories for the world to cherish.
The master blaster reveals a funny incident when he and Rahul Dravid had decoded New Zealand Chris Cairn’s bowling during the Kiwi’s tour of India back in 2003. The show host asked Tendulkar how he coped with challenges on the field that spurred him to fondly recall the Mohali Test.
Cairns was in top form and with India down by two wickets already, Tendulkar and Dravid were having a rough time. “Chris Cairns was beating us two-three times in an over with his reverse swings. I and Dravid, the side’s main batters, were finding it very difficult to see the shiny side of the ball. So, I came up with an idea mid-over,” Sachin said.
He continued, “I was closer to the bowler being on the non-striker’s end and could see the shiny side when he was going back for the run-up. I asked Dravid to watch my hand as I would hold the bat with my left hand if it was an out-swinger and vice versa.”
The plan panned out pretty well as India suddenly saw themselves fighting back Cairns with cover drives and on-drives that left the pace bowler befuddled. However, it didn’t take the New Zealanders long to figure out something was wrong with Tendulkar changing his hands frequently.
“Normally, no batsman stands
As the crowd broke into laughter, Tendulkar provides the perfect conclusion. He said, “Chris didn’t realise that I had also warned Rahul that I would hold the bat in the middle when I didn’t know what is coming. In short, the story is how you’ll be a step ahead of your opposition.”
Ravi Rampaul or Shane Shillingford? Who will take more wickets?
Presenting Nostragamus, the first ever prediction game that covers all sports, including Cricket. Play the CPL T20 challenge and win cash prizes daily!!
Download the app for FREE and get Rs.20 joining BONUS. Join 30,000 other users who win cash by playing NostraGamus. Click here to download the app for FREE on android!