“We can definitely use technology as long as it is standardised”
Image courtesy of: The Independent
Iconic India batsman Sachin Tendulkar believes that the Decision Review System (DRS) has to be standardised and must start being used by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI have never used the DRS during any series they play since they consider the technology to be “faulty”.
“I don’t know right now what BCCI’s stance is,” Tendulkar said. “From an individual point of view I can definitely say that we can’t have bits and pieces in different, different parts of the world.
“One part of the world is using Snickometer. The other part of the world is Hot Spot. Somewhere else we are using something else. It’s got to be standardised.”
While Tendulkar admitted that the technology will not be perfect all the time, he stated that it helps make the game more fair.
“Why should we settle for only 50% result? Why not get as close to 100%? It is impossible to get 100% right,” he said. “There will be some errors here and there. It really does not matter if Zimbawe and Bangladesh are playing or England and Australia are playing. An international match is an international match. It is unfair on lesser teams who do not have the full package. We can definitely use technology as long as it is standardised.”
Meanwhile, Tendulkar also revealed who his favourites are for the 2015 World Cup.
“I can’t pinpoint one team, but there are a few competitive teams,” he said. “I would like to name Australia, South Africa. New Zealand is a dark horse. India. These are my four semi-finalists.”
However, when asked if England stand a chance of winning, Tendulkar said: “I don’t think so, sorry. Anything is possible in sport. But going by current form I don’t think England would be that competitive.”
But, the Little Master was a lot more confident when it came to India retaining the World Cup.
“India can surprise a lot of guys,” he said. “And also I believe the spinners will come into play. People only talk about the pitches being conducive for fast bowlers but because of the size of the grounds I think spinners will come into play.”
Tendulkar also noted that more Indian players should be encouraged to play county cricket in England or other parts of the world as it will be a good experience for them and help them get accustomed to different conditions.
“Most definitely,” he said. “I remember Zaheer Khan was having a lot of injuries [in 2006]. There was a period when he was away from cricket for a while. That is when I told him: ‘Zaheer, for you there is no off-season. Whenever the monsoons are on in India you go to England and play. You will be transformed as a cricketer.’ That is what he did. I thought county cricket was instrumental in transforming Zaheer as a bowler.”
Tendulkar also recalled how he became the first overseas player to represent Yorkshire in 1992.
“It was a turning point in my career because it not just taught me more about the conditions but also taught me a lot as a person,” he said. “To be able to travel around on my own in England at the age of 19 was an experience; not many 19-year-olds get to do that. I thoroughly enjoyed my stint at Yorkshire. Right from the president of the county to the groundsman were all supportive and welcoming. I can never forget that experience – the warmth and reception I got.”