Mumbai: Batting great Sachin Tendulkar on Friday credited the IPL for helping develop India’s bench strength, saying the current lot has benefitted by constantly playing against world-class performers in the lucrative league.Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, who play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, have produced stunning knocks against England in the ongoing T20 series and Tendulkar attributed their success to the league.
‘Yeah, both Surya and Ishan are ready to play, because you know, I have always felt that IPL’s introduction has helped players,” Tendulkar, who is captaining the India Legends in the ongoing Road Safety World Series, told PTI. “Because earlier when we played, I hadn’t played against a Wasim (Akram), when we played in Australia, I hadn’t played a (Sharne) Warne or (Craig) McDermott or Merv Hughes. We went there and we had to figure out what has happened.’
Tendulkar said the IPL has provided the players the opportunity to run shoulders with the top stars and compete against the best.
BothĀ Archer bowled to him and Ben Stokes and the commentator said that it is nothing new for Surya because he has already played against Rajasthan Royals, he said.
Back in the field for the Road Safety World Series, Tendulkar said, ‘It’s a special feeling to be back (in) the dressing room. Like I said that sport unifies everyone, no matter which part of the country you come from, which caste, creed, nothing, your bank balance, sport doesn’t recognise anything, it only recognises the way you play,’ he said.