‘Was scared to bowl him doosra’ - Saqlain Mushtaq recalls dismissing Sachin Tendulkar in Chennai Test

Saqlain Mushtaq, the former spinner made many batsmen dance against his spin bowling in international cricket. He took more than 400 wickets for his national team. But, the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar was the most precious amongst all. The 43-year-old recalled on how he managed to grab the wicket of Master Blaster in a Test match that was played in Chennai back in 1999.

Sachin Tendulkar, the former player is reckoned as one of the best batsmen in cricket history. He dominated bowlers with his batting for more than two decades. In 1999, against Pakistan, he showed his brilliant batting skills and rescued Team India from 81/5 to 218/6. Tendulkar stiched an amazing partnership with Nayan Mongia (52) that helped the hosts move a step closer to the victory.

It looked like 46-year-old former Indian batsman might single-handedly win the match for his side. But, that never happened as Saqlain Mushtaq dismissed him at the crucial stage of the game. Afterwards, Team India was dismissed for a score of 258 and lost the match by 12 runs.

Saqlain Mushtaq feels proud after taking wicket of Sachin Tendulkar

In a live Instagram session, Saqlain Mushtaq said that Sachin Tendulkar was playing at his best in that match. He could anticipate the bowlers quite easily due to which he managed to score boundaries. At one stage in the match, Saqlain Mushtaq was scared to bowl doosra against Indian batsman as he might smack him for boundaries.

“I conceded a few boundaries, but eventually, got him out. Sachin had sharp eyes and he could read everything. It was intimidating. You wouldn’t believe, but I was scared to bowl him the doosra — fearing that he might hit boundaries,” Saqlain Mushtaq told  Sportstar in a Live session.

According to Mushtaq, that day God was on his side as he never thought of getting a wicket of Master Blaster in that Test. However, it was already written in his destiny, so he managed to do so. In the end, he also added that he still feels proud that he got Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket in a thrilling Test match.

“God was on my side that day. I did not think that I will get the Master blaster (Sachin) out. But when god has plans, you can’t beat that. Till my last breath, it will give me enough pride that I could dismiss him that day. Mera naam uske naam ke saath juda rahega,” said Mushtaq.