Bengaluru, Feb 23: One of the world’s most exceptional sporting heroes of all time has added ambidexterity to his long list of talents.
Practicing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the upcoming match against England, Tendulkar allayed all fears regarding his fitness by coming out to bat, unfettered by any cricketing gear. The man who could well bat with his eyes closed did something equally dramatic in the nets when he chose to bat left-handed.
Leaving onlookers aghast with a stunning display of his skills, the master went on to hit six after six, failing to score off just one of eight successive deliveries.
After his team’s unimpressive showing in the match against Netherlands, England captain Andrew Strauss had commented in Nagpur, "Hopefully India will take us lightly after this performance.” Sachin’s off-beat batting session, however, is far from an indication of Strauss’ wish being granted. If anything, Tendulkar’s change of batting stance might well give switch hit poster boy Kevin Pietersen a run for his money.
Coach Gary Kirsten spent much time with youngsters Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli and Yusuf Pathan in the nets. The pace duo of Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan too underwent a light training session to strengthen their backs at the NCA gymnasium in preparation for the big day/night game on February 27.
