PTI
New Delhi, Mar 7: India's young cricketers, who played a key role in the team's historic tri-series triumph in Australia, on Thursday received glowing tributes from Sachin Tendulkar, who said they were "extremely talented" and need to focus their energies in right direction.
Tendulkar, the champion batsman said the future of Indian cricket looks bright with the presence of these young players but cautioned that too much pressure should not be put on them. "I think all the youngsters are extremely talented.
They need to focus their energies in the right direction. They are working hard to achieve their goals and the team's goals," Tendulkar said. "But we should be careful not to put too much pressure on them. Let them play their natural game...The future looks good," said the master batsman, who played a pivotal role in the tri-series finals with an unbeaten knock of 117 and 91.
"The atmosphere in the dressing room is very lively. These youngsters are extremely talented. It is a unit which has got a nice blend of seniors and juniors. It is a perfect combination," he said. Asked whether he was hurt by the criticism he faces because of the high level of expectations from him, he said "it doesn’t hurt. People have their own agenda, their own view of judging things."
"I don’t read the articles. It does not help me in any way. I am regularly in touch with the people who matter and if they see anything (in my batting), they speak to me and don’t write articles. "I see the credibility of the person.
After having played for so long, I know what is right and what is wrong. I continue to play," Tendulkar said. On rumours about his retirement, which surfaces from time to time, Tendulkar made it clear that he had no intentions of quitting the game at this stage.
"I do not know who is starting all this (talks about retirement). If you know that I am retiring, please tell me. But I am not." Asked to describe his journey in international cricket since his debut, he said "it has been a fantastic journey. I started in 1989 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
"It is a dream to play for India. Every day has been special. I am still living the dream."