Advent of T20 has changed approach to chasing: Sachin

Mumbai: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar feels the advent of Twenty20 has changed batsmen’s approach to chasing big scores in ODIs, something that would be of help if India were to replay the lost 2003 World Cup final against Australia.

India lost the 2003 World Cup final against Australia by 125 runs in Johannesburg. Australia had scored a mammoth 359/2 and the Indian batters put up a dismal show to be bundled out for 234.

Asked about the loss, Tendulkar said, “I feel if we were allowed to play that match today, the players will approach that game differently.”

“We were all charged up, we went out to field and right from over one, it was that big moment, unbelievably charged up. (If the) same players are given an opportunity, we will approach it (that game) differently,” Tendulkar said.

The 44-year-old was speaking to reporters after the highlights of his upcoming biopic Sachin: A Billion Dreams was shown to the media.

Tendulkar heaped praise on Raj Singh Dungarpur, the former BCCI president and chairman of selectors, saying he helped him in his early days.

“Raj bhai clearly told me ‘focus on exams, you are not going to West Indies (in 1989)’. This was during the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy, we were playing Delhi and I was having a net session in the morning. Raj bhai has always been extremely supportive. Raj Bhai has played huge role in my life,” remembered the master-blaster.

He also said his children Sara and Arjun have given the thumbs up to the upcoming movie, which is set to release on May 26. “For the world I am cricketer, but for them I am their father first, so how they react was important for me, when their reaction was positive, I said James (Erskine) has done a good job,” he quipped.