ABU DHABI - Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev on Wednesday hailed Sachin Tendulkar the greatest player of the modern era after the veteran batsman smashed a world-record 200 not out in India’s victory over South Africa last month.
Tendulkar, the world's first batsman to hammer a double-century in one-day internationals, cracked 25 fours and three sixes to help his side to a 153-run win to put them 2-0 up in their three-match series.The 36-year-old, who holds world marks for most runs and centuries in both Tests and one-day cricket, was given a standing ovation by the capacity crowd at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Madhya Pradesh.
“He is the modern day’s greatest cricketer. I think without any doubt he is one of the greatest cricketers to ever play the game,” said Dev, who captained India to victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup, speaking prior to the Laureus awards in Abu Dhabi.
Zimbabwean Charles Coventry (194 not out) and Pakistan's Saeed Anwar (194) were the joint record-holders for the highest individual score before Tendulkar surpassed them.
Tendulkar reached 200 in 147 balls, executing breathtaking shots on both sides of the wicket to reduce the South African bowlers to a state of helplessness.
The opener went for shots early in the innings, racing to his half-century off just 37 balls with nine fours. He took 53 more deliveries to reach his hundred.
He went on the rampage after completing his hundred as he needed just 57 more balls to reach the double-century.
“What a wonderful cricketer, he shows other people how cricket should be played and he is setting the target for other people,” Dev said.
“The way he played the game we should be proud - no controversy, just simply talent and the ability to come out and how it to the world.”
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack has previously ranks Tendulkar the second greatest Test batsman of all time behind Australian Donald Bradman, and the second greatest one day international (ODI) batsman of all time behind the West Indies’ Viv Richards.
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