Durani tells Sachin to go for 400

The man who has been known over three decades for his towering sixes ' on demand ' has one very special demand from our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar

Durani tells Sachin to go for 400

The man who has been known over three decades for his towering sixes ' on demand ' has one very special demand from our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Salim Durani wants Tendulkar to claim the record for the highest individual Test score, currently held by West Indian Brian Lara. 'Sachin has had an amazing career. He has broken every possible record in the book, and in fact has redefined the records in many cases,' said Durani.

Salim Durani at Cross Maidan recently.
PIC/WALEED HUSSAIN

'He won the biggest prize in One-Day cricket, the World Cup for India, and now I feel he should concentrate on getting the 400 in Test matches,' he added.

'Sachin is God's gift to Cricket and more so to India, and I always thank the almighty that Sachin was born in this country,' he said.

Commenting on the latest fad to take limited overs cricket by storm, the IPL, Durani said that it is the perfect set-up for the families to come and enjoy the game. 'It's fun, and masala version of the game. The crowds love it, and it also gives youngsters a platform to showcase their skills against the best players from across the world.'

However, he added that top quality players like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman should avoid playing the IPL. 'They are players of great class, and should display their skills in the real arena, that is Test cricket. They have far superior skills than any contemporary batsman in world cricket.'

He found a special mention for hard-hitting all-rounder Yusuf Pathan. Impressed by his batting prowess, Durani said that Pathan should be nurtured well by the Indian team at the number 3 spot. 'Pathan has a great future for Team India, and the captain and coach should ensure that he is nurtured well.'

Box:

Tips on how to score well in T20

Never miss the singles, keep the scoreboard ticking

Make a mental map of the field restrictions, and go for aerial chips over the fielders

Plan the innings in 5 over targets

Concentrate on running between the wickets, put pressure on the fielders

Don't try innovative shots early on

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