Great for India if Sachin plays the 2011 WC: Sohail

© AFP

Sachin Tendulkar’s desire to play in the 2011 World Cup to realise his "unfulfilled dream" of winning the coveted trophy for the country has evoked encouraging reactions from some former cricketing greats.

Aamir Sohail, former Pakistan captain commented, “It’s great news for India, if Sachin wants to play in the 2011 World Cup. He is a great player and his commitment to the Indian team can never be questioned.”

Peter Kirsten, former South African cricketer mentioned that it would be fantastic if Sachin could play his sixth World Cup in a row. “World cricket needs a guy like him,” Kirsten said. “I was just chatting with Gary a few days ago and he seems to be completely enthralled working with a guy like Sachin.”

When inquired if it would be realistically possible for Sachin to realise his ‘unfulfilled dream’, Sohail replied, “It shouldn’t be a problem. He just needs to maintain his fitness levels to last till the 2011 World Cup.”

“Why not, if he keeps himself fit,” answered Kirsten. “It would be ideal for a player of Sachin’s caliber to win the World Cup and retire. He deserves to end his career on a high note.”

But with younger players coming in, would Sachin fit into the scheme of things in 2011? “I believe you can’t shed your class players for the younger lot. From what I know, even the younger guys gel well with him and enjoy working with the great batsman,” Kirsten retorted.

Kirsten, however, was quick to add that it was up to the Indian team management to prolong Sachin’s career and keep him fit till the 2011 World Cup. “If he is 38-39 by then, he could still play. I played the 1992 World Cup at the age of 37. I have every admiration and hope that he lasts till the 2011 World Cup.”