Sachin Tendulkar has picked three players who could make a big impact at the ICC World Cup 2019. He was asked about non-India players and he picked one each from Australia, England and Afghanistan. Here they are
London: Former India captain and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has revealed the names of three non-Indian cricketers who can make a big impact at the ICC World Cup 2019 which got underway today (May 30) with England facing South Africa.
Tendulkar, who made his TV commentary debut during the World Cup 2019 opening match at The Oval on Thursday, was asked about the non-Indian cricketers who he is looking forward to watch and he took the names of Australian opener David Warner, England fast bowler Jofra Archer and Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Also read: Your complete guide to World Cup 2019
During the innings break after England had posted 311/8 in 50 overs against the Proteas, Tendulkar spoke to the official broadcaster Star Sports.
Tendulkar, who won the World Cup in 2011, praised Warner for his performances in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL 2019). Tendulkar said Warner looked “determined” in the tournament where he played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Warner won the Orange Cap for being the highest run-getter (692) in the tournament.
Also read: Full schedule of India matches at World Cup with start times, live TV, streaming info
"It has to be David Warner, because I saw him in the IPL and he made a huge statement there. He looked hungry, determined, focussed and fitter. Warner was anyway fit, but he looked unbelievably fit (in the IPL). In extreme conditions, he pushed himself and ran hard. He looks determined so I think he's the batter to watch out for," Tendulkar said.
Talking about Archer, Tendulkar said England will look to him to give them the breakthroughs when needed. The 46-year-old Tendulkar, who is the highest run-getter in the history of World Cup, said Rashid would be instrumental in Afghanistan “causing upsets” in the 10-team tournament.
Also read: World Cup 2019 format, rain rules, Super Over and other playing conditions
"I am looking forward to Jofra Archer bowling for England because I know, in crunch moments, England are always going to look at Jofra Archer to bowl those tight overs. Or if you need a breakthrough, you need Jofra Archer to come and give that breakthrough," Tendulkar said.
Tendulkar advised Rashid to treat the ODI World Cup as a Test match. According to him this mindset would help the young spinner.
"I think he's (Rashid) going to be instrumental in creating those upsets in this tournament. If I have to tell him something, I would say, 'Look, treat this like a Test match. Because even in the T20 format, you've been able to pick wickets because the batters have not read what you've done with your wrist. And you do that, back yourself, have an attacking field, and challenge batters to hit over mid-on and mid-off.' Of course deep midwicket has to be there in today's format. But I would say challenge the batters and you won't disappoint the Afghanistan fans," Tendulkar explained.
When asked about his four picks for the World Cup semi-finals, he chose India, England, Australia and New Zealand.
India, led by Virat Kohli, will launch their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa. Tendulkar said he was impressed with the way MS Dhoni and KL Rahul batted and scored centuries in the warm-up match against Bangladesh.
World Cup 2019 runs from May 30 to July 14. The iconic Lord’s stadium will host the final.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.