Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi says he would have loved to see Sachin Tendulkar playing his farewell Test against better opposition than the West Indies.
West Indies legend Clive Lloyd was too harsh when he said the Caribbean unit looked drunk in the two Tests which they lost by an innings, but Bedi was a little charitable in saying the feared team of yesteryears looked out of sorts.
"It was a shambolic performance to say the least. They were not able to put up any fight. I am sure many like me would have liked to see a good contest in Sachin's farewell game. I would have preferred the series against a better opposition," Bedi told IANS Tuesday.
BCCI arranged the Sachin swansong at home, hurriedly inviting the West Indies after the master blaster was expected to say goodbye to the game playing his last and the 200th Test in South Africa in December.
Sachin ended his career with a stroke-filled 74 at the Wankhede Stadium, and that was enough to please millions of his fans, though they would have liked to see the West Indies make a fist of the match instead of folding up in a shade over seven sessions.
On Sachin's innings, Bedi said: "It was a well made 74, but let me say that we have seen a much better Sachin. Having said that, it would not have mattered whether he scored a duck or a hundred. He has achieved everything in the game."
Another former captain Chandu Borde, however, looked at the knock differently.
"I was reminded of the Sachin of old. The way he moved his feet was amazing. It's hard to believe that he is 40. As far as opposition goes, Sachin would have scored against any team like he has done all his career," Borde told IANS.
Talking about Sachin getting the highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna, Bedi said the award must not be politicised.
"It is a huge breakthrough for Indian sports. Sachin has been been picked for his excellence in the game," said Bedi, adding that Dhyan Chand should also get Bharat Ratna.
"What Dhyan Chand is to hockey, Don Bradman is to cricket, but we should not polticise the matter."
