Millions will be watching the World T20: Sachin Tendulkar

Former Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has suggested that ‘millions’ will be lined up to watch the World T20. The mega event organized by the ICC is expected to take place in eight different venues across India from the 8th of March to the 3rd of April.

“There are going to be millions of eyeballs not only in India but all over the world,” said Tendulkar. “The kind of response you get from all parts of India when it comes to cricket, it’s simply fabulous. I’m sure with the experience that the players across the world have had playing IPL, it’s going to go a notch bigger than that.”

Tendulkar has also pointed out that one of his most favourite World Cup moments came in the inaugural edition in 2007. Playing in difficult, yet exciting conditions in South Africa, MS Dhoni led a young side to victory to claim their first World Cup trophy since 1983.

“One favourite moment without any doubt has to be 2007 World Cup in South Africa,” said Tendulkar. “Nobody knew what to expect from that tournament, and to be able to win the first tournament itself. It was a closely fought match and eventually that beautiful trophy came back home.”

While Yuvraj Singh’s exploits in the World Cup will always be fondly remembered by Tendulkar, the latter has stated that the win against Pakistan will always stand out in the history of the Indo-Pak cricket rivalry.

India faced up to the might of Pakistan in a Group D encounter at Durban. A swashbuckling half-century off 39 balls from Robin Uthappa saw the Indians reach 141-9 in their 20 overs after being put into bat. Having leveled the scores in the second innings, Pakistan and India faced the prospect of having the first ever bowl out in T20 history. That particular event became only the second bowl out in cricket history. The Indians clinched the bowl out 3-0.

“Nobody realised which way the game was going and suddenly there was tie,” recalled Tendulkar. “And then there was a bowl-out which had never happened before. That was so exciting to watch.”