Lot more to Tendulkar than batting: Rohit Sharma

By Abhishek Roy

Mumbai – India batsman Rohit Sharma said cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar meant a lot more to cricket than his batting and will be deeply missed in the dressing room.

“Tendulkar was not just about batting, but how you conduct yourself on the field. I have learned a lot from him. He brought many things to the game. He will be missed a lot,” said Rohit in the post match press conference after India beat the West Indies in Tendulkar’s farewell Test here Saturday.

Rohit, who is the third Indian batsman to score consecutive centuries in his first two Tests, said the team is improving but Tendulkar’s absence was bound to be! felt.

“Team has got the momentum. But his presence in the dressing will be missed. It is not just about his batting but other things that make a cricketer,” said Rohit, who was man of the series for his twin centuries in the two Tests.

Rohit recalled his first international tour of South Africa when a chat with Tendulkar made him realise what international cricket is all about.

“It was a long chat with him that made me realise what international cricket is all about.”

The Mumbai cricketer said it was important for the team to get over the emotions of Tendulkar’s farewell quickly.

“We need to get over this quickly. But don’t know how to do this,” he said.

Rohit said he would cherish his unbeaten 111 here at his home ground Wankhede.

“The century was important. I probably haven’t played in such a huge match. I had to play well. For the next few days, it will pinch us that Tendulkar won’t be there,” he said.

Rohit said d! uring Tendulkar’s 20-minute emotional speech at the ground, he just kep! t looking at the great.

“It was an emotional speech that touched everybody. That shows his quality. He carefully took the names of each and every person. That shows the great quality of a great man. During the speech I didn’t know how to react. I just kept looking at him,” he said.