Hansie Cronje got me out more than any other bowler: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is perhaps the best batsman we’ve seen in modern time. The Master Blaster played some of the best bowlers in the history of cricket. Right from the start of his career, he has handled the likes of Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram. Glenn McGrath, Allan Donald and many others. His friendly rivalry with leg-spinning great Shane Warne was exciting.

However, Tendulkar never looked daunted by these great names during his illustrious career. But, every batsman, indeed has that one bowler whom he always dislikes to face. In Tendulkar’s case, it was a medium pacer who gave him a tough challenge in his career.

Former South Africa skipper Hansie Cronje is the man we are talking about. The batting all-rounder took 43 wickets in 68 Tests; 114 wickets in 188 ODIs with his seam-up bowling. The interesting part is that he got the precious wicket of Tendulkar five times in Tests and thrice in limited-overs.

Once, in an interview with The Guardian, he said: “Honestly. I got out to Hansie more than anyone. When we played South Africa he always got me out more than Donald or Shaun Pollock. It wasn’t that I couldn’t pick him – it’s just that the ball seemed to go straight to a fielder.

I was going great guns in Durban one year and played some big shots against Donald and Pollock. Hansie came on and I flicked his first ball straight to leg-slip. I never knew what to do with him.”