Australian captain Michael Clarke has hailed Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar, saying that although he has been lucky enough to play with and against some great batsmen, but there has been none better than Sachin in his time.
Clarke reflected that it would be strange looking at an Indian Test side without Tendulkar's name in the middle order as the Little Master has been the greatest constant in world cricket for a generation
According to Telegraph.com.au, Clarke believes that with all his achievements, Tendulkar would have to be the second best batsman of all time after the incomparable Donald Bradman, although he added that no one would ever know his greatness by merely speaking to him.
Expanding on Sachin's humility and unassuming nature, Clarke further said that it is hard to believe that a reclusive player like Tendulkar is the unmatched hero of a billion people, who shows how he is considered a player apart when they chant his name like a mantra during any game where he is playing.
Stating that he never thought of Tendulkar as an ageing hero even though he played his first series against the star almost a decade ago, Clarke also said that Tendulkar exudes a youthful enthusiasm which highlights just how much he still loves the game, adding most of Tendulkar achievements can almost certainly never be bettered.
Clarke further said that it is 'mind-boggling' that Tendulkar has played international cricket for almost a quarter of a century, adding that it highlights an undying affection for the game that goes way beyond just playing and into a desire and commitment to keep improving.
According to Clarke, Tendulkar has managed to do all that despite carrying an unimaginable weight of expectation and has been a 'lightning rod' for much of the vast depth of passion shown by India when it comes to cricket, adding that there was never a weakness to exploit in Sachin's game.