Jacques Kallis challenges supremacy of Sachin Tendulkar

Jacques Kallis’ comments comparing Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara were unnecessary

First it was Ricky Ponting and then Shahid Afridi. Both of these cricketers had opined that Brian Lara is a better batsman than the legend Sachin Tendulkar. Well, it is becoming a trend that when one is out of the limelight, the easiest way to gain attention of the media is to criticize Sachin Tendulkar. Kallis, who has taken a final bow from all formats of international cricket, has unnecessarily indulged himself in a controversial issue.

When this comes from a wonderful cricketer like Jacques Kallis, it appears a little surprising. It is not understood that why a comparison is needed at all? Lara and Sachin – both of them are the great cricketers. Both have already said goodbye to the game and there is no competition left among them. The timing of this statement from Jacques Kallis becomes questionable.

Also, both of them had a distinctively different style of play. Brian Lara was a left handed batsman, whereas Sachin Tendulkar was a right hander. Interestingly, both of them have never shown any rivalry and are infact good friends! The whole world witnessed that Lara was present for the last match played by Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai. He had appreciated Sachin’s contribution to the world of cricket and in turn, Sachin had also appreciated the talent of Lara.

The intentions of Kallis are questionable, as on one hand, he is availing a chance to earn money and remain in the limelight during the IPL. But on the other hand he is criticizing the god of cricket on the very soil of India.

It is pertinent to add that Kallis himself has been a wonderful all-rounder for South Africa. He had scored 13,289 runs and also took 292 wickets in 166 Test matches. He was always considered the best all-rounder of the game. But it is really shocking to note that Kallis has indulged in such a meaningless exercise of unnecessarily downplaying Sachin for a probable petty gain of a publicity stunt. That too, a player who is considered to be a gentleman cricketer!