How we wish Sachin can play on forever: Agarkar

Brisbane: Ajit Agarkar, the Indian allrounder, has said Sachin Tendulkar is the kind of player everyone wishes can keep on playing forever.

Agarkar, who is currently leading a Kolkata Knight Riders contingent in Australia, was quoted by agencies as saying, "It's his [Tendulkar's] call but maybe we'd like him to play forever, although that's not going to happen.

“Obviously form and fitness will depend how long he goes on for.

“We'd like him to play for a bit longer if he can.'' 

Tendulkar, who made his Test debut in 1989, is now on the brink of surpassing Brian Lara's record for the highest aggregate of runs in Test cricket. The Mumbai-maestro has in the recent past batted injuries to his back, groin and elbow, and has had to miss quite a few matches.

Agarkar also said he was hoping Tendulkar, who opted out of the Irani Cup so he could rest his elbow, would comeback firing all guns against the Aussies. He said, "Over the years, he's probably played his best against Australia so you'd want to have him firing if India want to have a good series."

The 30-year old allrounder also added that the Indian Premier League (IPL) certainly helped break the barriers that existed between players from India and Australia. He said, "I'm sure it [IPL] helped in a way. They probably got to know the players a little more closely sitting in the same dressing room."

Agarkar further added that expected some more tension between the two teams, but said that was what Test cricket was all about. He said, "It's still going to be fierce and there might be some stages where you're just about on the line.

 "That's what Test cricketers look forward to, as long as you don't cross the line."