Lara is the only batsman in the history of the game to have scored 400 runs in a Test innings.
In a talk show with former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Sunday evening, Lara said in term of greatness, no cricketer can come close to Tendulkar.
“In terms of stats, you’re going to have players with better stats, you never know.
Virat has been exceptional in one-day games. There are boxers who have better record than Muhammad Ali but if you mention about boxing you’ve to mention Muhammad Ali, basketball you have to mention Michael Jordan. When you speak about cricket, you’ll speak about Tendulkar,” Lara said.
Lara said Tendulkar should not take any pressure of performance in his 200th Test and he should just go out and enjoy the game.
“I would tell him, you had the greatest cricketing career. I don’t think any career compares with Tendulkar in terms of cricketing career. Just enjoy the next five days of cricket. You have the ability to score 400 runs, go score 400...”
Asked what must be going on in Tendukar’s mind ahead of his last match, Lara said it was hard to predict.
“But if I was in his shoes at the moment I would think I don’t need to prove anything. It would be wonderful to get a big score in his last match. I would prepare for that.
But I would not put any undue pressure. I’ve nothing to prove. It’s very important for him to find what motivates him. If it’s pressure then let him be under pressure.”
Asked whether Tendulkar’s glittering career was dragged a bit long, Lara chose to disagree.
“I’ve answered this question on many occasions. Sachin Tendulkar deserved the respect to decide when he wanted to leave the game. Obviously everybody is entitled to give their opinion. Tendulkar has served Indian cricket and world cricket so well over the years. He has given over 25 years of his life to cricket. We’re just sitting today and talking about...
“A Test match is eight days, if you’re ready to check. Two days of practice and a day of travelling afterwards. If you multiply that by 200 and all the ODIs he has played, this guy has given yeoman service to cricket.
“We never thought about playing 200 matches in the Test in the past. He he’s still very fit. I think this is the best opportunity to walk away from the game. We know his performances in the last couple of years has not been great.”
The West Indies legend said the cricketers who have shared dressing room with him can tell what effect he had on young Indian cricketers.
“But we don’t know sitting here the effect he had on the young Indian team. I think you need to go and speak to the guys in the dressing room.”
Lara was also asked how he would have planned for the Mumbai Test if he was to lead the West Indies.
“My game plan would be just to win the game. Sachin would have been discussed as every other player. You play the game hard, play for five days.”
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