Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, often called the ‘God of Cricket’, spoke about how the Twenty20 format has revolutionised the game. The iconic Indian batsman has played only one twenty20 international match in his two-decade long career.
At an event for the announcement of partnership between ICC and MRF tyres, the Master Blaster spoke about how the shorter format has revolutionised the game. Tendulkar said that there is no denying the way cricket has changed due to the introduction of the shorter format, especially batting.
"T20 has changed the dynamics of cricket, the way it is played. For example, nobody thought that batters could play reverse sweeps off fast bowlers to short third-man stands. It has changed cricket big time," Tendulkar said at the launch of the four-year partnership between International Cricket Council (ICC) and MRF tyres.
"Spectators also enjoy watching T20. I believe it is a lighter format for someone who is not familiar with the game. It is the right dosage of cricket and excitement. The matches are fought to the finish and the results are close. It throws up different intensity altogether for three hours at a stretch," he added.
Tendulkar, who was one of the brand ambassadors for the ODI World Cup last year, does not have such a role in the upcoming World T20. The former Mumbai Indian batsman was happy by the fact that he can openly support India, now that he is not the brand ambassador of the event.
"Everyone is waiting for this opportunity to go and support India. This time I am not ambassador of ICC like last year when I had to say things discreetly and had said that the defending champions are ready to defend but this time I can say that India will go all the way," Tendulkar said.
The former Indian batsman who has a hundred international hundreds to his name also takes part in several charities now. Tendulkar was associated with the Spirit of Chennai during the floods last year in the Indian city.
Back in Chennai for the launch, the right-handed batsman said, "This is my first time to Chennai after the floods in December. It was a difficult time and people from various parts of India extended their helping hand and getting things back on track. A big big thank you to all of them and it shows that it is the real character of our country. That is something that India is known for."
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