July 29: Over the years the pupils have changed, but the master has remained the same. It was Suresh Raina’s good fortune to have a fabulous guide in Sachin Tendulkar as he made history at the SSC by becoming only the fourth Indian left-hander to score a hundred on Test debut.
With this effort, Raina also became the first Indian batsman to make a hundred in all three forms of the game. “It’s important to make them feel comfortable, and understand their mindset. Raina’s having played 98 ODIs before his Test debut has actually helped him a lot,” said Tendulkar who owns practically all batting records and one missing link in his resume is a hundred on debut.
“I had played with him so I knew exactly what to expect of him. It’s equally important for me to understand what the debutant’s mindset is. If the same player has played with you for some time, it helps.”
Raina was at his fluent best but there were the usual nervy moments when he inched closer to the landmark. “I knew he was under a bit of pressure. I kept telling him that such a moment will never come again and it is important to enjoy it. I also told him that everyone will always remember this knock irrespective what he goes on to achieve in the future,” said Tendulkar.
Having played 98 ODIs and been on previous trips here had helped Raina, according to Tendulkar. “One could not have asked anything more from him,” said the world record holder. “Yesterday when I got back I had a long ice bath and then did some stretches. It was not the easiest conditions to bat in,” added Tendulkar.
The wicket was a shirtfront. From a batsmen’s perspective he could not have asked for more but it was no where close to producing a result. The worlds most capped Test cricketer was only ready to agree. “It was a great track to bat. I did not count the runs. I enjoyed spending time in the middle.”
Many had doubted Raina’s ability to play the longer version. Tendulkar was happy for the youngster proving his critics wrong.
“Many had doubted whether Suresh was a good Test player or not and I am pleased with his effort. He has earned something special. He will have many more hundreds, he will achieve many more things in life, but this will always be something special,” explained Tendulkar.
‘Not convinced with UDRS’
“I am not fully convinced with that. When we were here last time, I was not convinced with many of the decisions. I did not feel comfortable. It was an experiment, which I felt was required. I would much rather go with the Hot Spot because that establishes the contact between bat and ball,” he added.