Sachin not keen on title of 'coach'; rather help India players informally

CRICKET LEGEND Sachin Tendulkar on Monday said that he will continue to help Indian team and players, and that he doesn't need the official title of a 'coach'.

Tendulkar, who is gearing up for the inaugural edition of the Cricket All Stars 3-match T30 series in the USA, was at the Facebook headquarters on Monday night, where answered interesting questions from fans in a live Q&A session alongside Australian spin legend Shane Warne. 

When asked where the idea of All Stars came from, Sachin said it all started on July 5th, 2015, when they played at Lords and realized that the spark and passion was still very much there. At the post-match get-together, Warne and Tendulkar decided to join hands, along with other retired cricketers. Sachin confirmed that 28 cricket stars have been signed up by the All Stars for the next three years and 15 matches, so the tournament won't be a one-season wonder. 

When a fan asked if he wanted to coach the Indian team in the future, Tendulkar said:

"I have been sharing my thoughts with all the players. They have my phone number, they have direct access to me. It's not about being the head coach, or batting coach. It's not about the post, it's about being accessible, and I'm accessible. I've worked with a lot of youngsters from the current Indian team as well but I do it quietly, behind closed doors. I think that works better. Players also respect you, they have confidence in you. They tell me anything that they want to, knowing that this is not going to be leaked out. That relationship is a special one, and I'll continue to do it that way."

Asked how All Stars was planning to make cricket a global sport, both Tendulkar and Warne said that they will be encouraging youngsters in the US to watch the game live, and will also be practicing with aspiring, young cricketers as well as the US Women's cricket team. Sachin stressed on the fact that fans play a bigger role in helping the cricketers promote the sport and urged them to support the game.

It is still unclear as to which player will play for Sachin's Blasters and Warne's Warriors. Asked if Sachin -Lara could bat together, and Warne-Murali could bowl together, Tendulkar did not rule out the possibility. The players' draw will be finalized on Thursday. 

Asked who was his favourite spin bowler between Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, Tendulkar said that both are world-class bowlers and there should be no comparison, as it takes away the credit from them. However, if he had to choose, it would be Warney.

Looks like the Sachin-Shane friendship is only getting stronger.
 

TFG NEWSLETTER: Exclusive and Stimulating articles delivered Free into your Inbox every day! Subscribe to TFG TIMEs