 Sachin Tendulkar working on around off-stump line
15th Feb 2008 16:03 IST
Agencies
Suresh Raina, a highly-promising youngster, is still waiting for his first turn in the middle on this tour and one of the things he has done diligently is to watch Tendulkar from close quarters.
"It's a lesson to watch him from close quarters. The way he prepares, his shot selection, his technique is all a great lesson for us youngsters," admitted the Uttar Pradesh youngster.
One of Tendulkar's biggest attribute is his ability to keep doubts at an arm's length and remain positive at all times -- a quality which Raina seems to be imbibing so early in his career.
"I am positive at all times, I am striking the ball well in the nets and when my time comes, I am sure to succeed," said the talented southpaw who at the young age of 21, has already experienced the two extremes of playing for India and now cooling his heels for well over a year.
Raina turned out in 35 games for India before his run of poor scores showed him the door last January. He didn't score a fifty in his last 17 one-day innings and stated that he is now toughened enough to make the best of opportunity, which come his way.
"I was left out of the team because I wasn't scoring runs. But I never stopped being positive and had a great run in domestic circuit. I am sure my time would come," stated Raina, a great attitude to have for a youngster as Indian team these days is populated with youngsters.
One who is not so young yet has an infectious enthusiasm for the game, Tendulkar is doing a great service to youngsters just by his own example in the middle as well as the advice when he has to offer from his wealth of experience.
His departure for the scene might mean one more vacant spot for a youngster in the team but his presence it seems at the moment has a better value for them. |
