IML 2025: Seeing Tendulkar's cover drive, Ntini's swing, Kallis' back foot punch has been fantastic, says Tino Best

Ahead of the IML semi-final between Sri Lanka Masters and West Indies Masters, Tino Best shared their thoughts on the tournament, playing alongside legends, and their admiration for fellow cricketers.

Best reflected on his most cherished moments from the ongoing IML season and highlighted the joy of witnessing legends perform. "Just to see vintage Sachin Tendulkar's cover drive. Seeing Makhaya Ntini swing it back in, getting people out. Watching Jacques Kallis punch the ball off the back foot. Seeing Shane Watson score hundreds. It's been memorable, fantastic. It shows the old boys still have a little bit of fire left in their belly."

Speaking about the passionate Indian cricket fans, Best expressed his admiration for their enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. “It’s been incredible. The crowds have been fantastic. The interaction as well. It's always humbling because India, as we know, is the showcase or the showpiece of world cricket.

“As a kid growing up, I remember it was England and county cricket. But as I got older in my international career, it became India. I think the crowds have really embraced the game, and they always have in India. So, it's always an amazing experience to see the passion still alive for the older generation of cricketers. I'm nearly 44 years old now, and little youngsters still come up to me and ask about how fast I am still bowling. So, it's always great to still inspire the younger generation.

Sharing his insights on fast bowling in T20 cricket, Best emphasised the importance of maintaining pace and fitness. "Bowl as fast as you can. Just got to hit those Test match lengths. Cricket doesn’t change. A batter can't back-punch you off that length for sixes repeatedly. So, there’s always an opportunity to get an edge to slip or the keeper in the first six overs. If you’ve got a slower ball, work on it. But if you’re a fast bowler, focus on getting faster and fitter.

“The biggest issue with fast bowlers in T20 cricket today is that they aren’t as fit as they used to be. Back in the day, we bowled 20 overs a day. So, playing T20 was easy because our bodies were used to it. But the new generation isn’t playing enough first-class cricket.

“My advice? Play cricket. Don’t just be a T20 specialist—be a complete cricketer. First-class cricket is the foundation where you develop your skills—batting, bowling, and fielding. If you master that, everything else will follow."