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Ranatunga Ex-Sri Lankan Captain

COLOMBO: Adam Gilchrist might have called Sachin Tendulkar a “bad sport” but for ex- Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga the Indian batting

expert is one of the best strong behaved cricketers he had played with.

“He (Tendulkar) was one of the nicest guys I played cricket with. The thing I well-liked of him was the commitment for the game. I am very pleased that he has left behind (the issue),” Ranatunga said.

“I have not seen anyone who is so committed to cricket. Actually I learnt a lot from him. I was not committed sufficient for my batting. The result shows. I think he (Tendulkar) is a role model for any young cricketer,” Ranatunga said.

Ranatunga, now the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), said Tendulkar deserved to become Test cricket’s highest run-getter surpassing West Indian great Brian Lara.

“I think he (Tendulkar) deserves to do that because of the commitment. He is one of the greatest cricketers I have played cricket with.”

Ranatunga feels that Tendulkar can easily play a couple of years of cricket and he should be given the luxury to decide when to hang his boots.

“I still feel he can easily play a couple of years. I think the important thing is he has to take care of his injuries. When you are getting older you are getting into all these issues.

“But he is still fit enough to play cricket. Even Sourav Ganguly, is getting runs. I think there will be a big vacuum when the ‘fab four’ goes,” Ranatunga said.

“Only Sachin should decide (on his retirement). If he feels that he is not enjoying the game he should announce his retirement,” he added.