Hansie Cronje was the toughest bowler to face, says Sachin Tendulkar

Indian legend and batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has had plenty of on-field rivalries with opposition bowlers. He was the prized wicket for any opposition and hence he was the main target for the strike bowlers all over the world. For a man who has faced the likes of Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, Brett Lee among others, he picked out a rather strange name as the toughest bowler who he faced in his career.

Sachin named former South African captain, Hansie Cronje as the most tricky bowler who gave him a lot of strife during his playing days. He was speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit and this answer certainly startled the audience.

"Whenever Hansie came on to bowl, I would be extra vigilant. I would also speak to my partner at the other end and say that I would face Donald and Pollock, you please take care of Hansie. He has got me out so many times and the lines and lengths he bowled were very nagging," Sachin informed.

Throughout his career the master batsman was troubled by late in-swinging balls and balls which would move in just a touch after pitching. Cronje would trundle up and bowl the exact same lines and lengths and would seam the ball in.

Watch: Sachin score his 25^th ODI century against South Africa

The legend spoke at length on many issues ranging from fitness and health issues plaguing the country as well as on the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Adarsh Gram Yojana.

Towards the end of the session he was asked 5 rapid fire questions and the answers gave a lot of insight into the man. He picked out former Indian opener Virender Sehwag as the most enjoyable person to bat with.

Similarly, he named Brian Lara as the greatest batting contemporary and singled out Ricky Ponting for his tremendous ability to hook or pull short of a length balls.

"Brian had so much flair, his backlift, he aggressive nature, Lara as a complete package was very compelling to watch. Similarly, I have not seen anyone deal with short of a good length ball as well as Ricky Ponting did. This stroke forced the bowlers to change their lengths," Sachin further added.

Cricket fans all over the world know that the man was very keen to be a fast bowler and had also attended the MRF Pace Foundation where he was sent back by Dennis Lillee. Hence, there were no surprises when he said that he would rather fancy being a fast bowler, if not for a batsman.

Also, he picked out Roger Federer as his favourite non-cricketing sportsperson.

And, who was the fastest bowler he has faced? The answer was prompt and he named Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee and West Indies’ Patrick Patterson.

Watch: Sachin Tendulkar smash Pakistan in 2003 World Cup

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