Sachin Tendulkar says he would have loved playing alongside Sunil Gavaskar and Viv Richards

On the account of India’s 500^th Test, all the Indian captains were felicitated before the start of the first test between India and New Zealand. On this special occasion, legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has revealed that he would have loved to play alongside his cricket heroes Sunil Gavaskar and Sir Viv Richards.

Speaking to The Hindu, Sachin said, “ I really would have loved playing alongside Sunil sir (Gavaskar) and Viv (Richards). They were my batting heroes.” Gavaskar also responded to Sachin’s quote by saying It’s nice of him to say that.

Sachin, who was a part of 40 percent of the Test matches India have played so far, also said that India playing their 500^th Test is a special moment to all those who have represented the country and he will never forget few moments which includes the news of him being selected to play for India and his Test debut against Pakistan in 1989.

It was a special moment for all of us. It was a moment we ought to take pride in collectively. Personally, I will never forget my debut Test (in Pakistan in 1989). In fact, even the news of being selected to play for India was huge for me. It was always a challenge to get into the Test squad and that made me realize the significance of five-day cricket. It is an amazing feeling to know that I have been a part of it in 40 per cent of the matches. It’s been a thrilling experience, he added.

On this historical occasion, Sachin thanked all those who have represented the country and thanked them for giving their best. Hats off to all those who served the game all these years. It would not be fair to compare the different eras but I admire the spirit in which they played cricket. They never complained and charmed their way into the hearts of the fans, Sachin opined.

When asked about how it feels to be a part of India’s 500^th Test match, Sachin said, Honestly, 500 is just a number. Cricket is the same. You see many things along the way and some remain with you. I’m glad that I could be part of the foundation of this building. It also gave me an opportunity to catch up with some old friends.

Sachin Tendulkar has played 200 Tests for India in which he scored 15921 runs at an extraordinary average of 53.78 with a highest score of unbeaten 248. He was India’s best batsman in this format and has won several matches for India.

Alongside Sachin, former Indian captains including Sourav Ganguly, Kris Srikanth, Mohammad Azharuddin, MS Dhoni, Dilip Vengsarkar, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar etc. were hounoured on the occasion of India’s 500^th Test.