He is the greatest ever, says Prasanna
India’s spin legend E.A.S. Prasanna on Tuesday hailed Sri Lankan record-breaking offie Muttiah Muralitharan as the greatest ever.
“He’s the best I’ve seen and by a long mile. What he has accomplished despite bearing the brunt of so many controversies is incredible,” Prasanna told this newspaper on the day.
Prasanna, part of India’s spin quartet that operated with great effectiveness in the 60s and 70s, said that at 38, spinners tend to lose their guile, and Muralitharan was right in retiring now.
“The mind is willing but the body isn’t. Your reflexes and strengths are not the same. You want the ball to pitch in a particular spot but it lands a touch wider or shorter. This happens to all bowlers when they age. You realise that it is time to go.”
Muralitharan is the world’s leading wicket-taker and one of the finest exponents of spin bowling. However, with his fitness levels dropping off late, Murali is picking and choosing the games he plays.
Prasanna said Muralitharan should keep in mind not to overdo it. “Being selective about your games is fine, but he should ensure that he plays a game or two every month. Once you fall out of the groove it’s very hard to motivate yourself to come back to cricket. And playing in the World Cup will suddenly become difficult.”
Muralitharan said he would be available to play at the World Cup, but the final decision would be taken by the Sri Lanka Cricket selectors, since he would touching 40 at that stage.
“He should focus on keeping himself fit and agile. The World Cup is a big tournament, and he could make a difference between winning the tournament or losing in the first round.”
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