Sachin Tendulkar's joke on how to face Lasith Malinga's yorkers

Sachin Tendulkar and Lasith Malinga – subcontinental heroes

Lasith Malinga has been one of the 21st centuries greatest fast bowlers, and one of the reasons why batsmen all over the world have been made to look foolish by his toe-crunchers is his highly unorthodox bowling action. But Malinga’s secret weapon is something else, according to Sachin Tendulkar.

Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, his Mumbai Indians teammate Sachin Tendulkar let in audiences on to a little secret about how to play his yorkers, PTI reports.

Cricketers are often at a loss to come up with replies to cliched questions, but there is a reason why the Little Master is the most popular hero in the country.

Ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka in August, Sachin was asked about how to face up to the Sri Lankan bowler, and he was at his humorous best with his reply.

“It’s a difficult answer. Malinga, it’s totally a different type of action. I don’t think any other bowler in the world, I have seen at the international level, who comes even 50 per cent close to that. A truly world-class bowler, a true champion.

“On a lighter note, when many people ask me how to play him, I say ‘bal ko nahin, bowl ko dekho’ (don’t look at the hair, look at the ball).”

Sachin also spoke in glowing terms of their time together in the Mumbai Indians dressing room: “Having played with him for Mumbai Indians was a fantastic experience. A thorough gentleman.”

It is worth mentioning here that Malinga’s recent loss of form has been attributed to the loss of his usual hairstyle by many on the social media in recent weeks.

Just now figured out why Malinga is not in form..Where the hell is dat Malinga hair everyone liked..This looks like his natural hair

— Ákhila Sudharaka ? (@akhilasg) August 1, 2015