World Cup 2019: Sachin Tendulkar will have an eye on Jofra Archer, Rashid Khan and David Warner

Former Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar will naturally want India to win this year’s World Cup but as a true statesman of the game, he will also keep an eye on the likes of David Warner, Rashid Khan and Jofra Archer. These players can make a real impact for their respective teams in this World Cup which kicked off on Thursday.

Archer, the 24-year-old West Indian-born pacer who was fast-tracked to play for England in this World Cup, already made an impact in the very first game against South Africa by taking 3 wickets for 27 runs. He also gave an example of his pace by rattling the technically sound Hashim Amla by hitting on his helmet during the game that the hosts won by 104 runs.

Archer’s ability to produce brilliant deliveries at crunch situations also impressed the 46-year-old Tendulkar. He said he would watch Archer since Eoin Morgan will always look up to him to bowl tight overs and even if required, give the breakthrough.

Tendulkar’s advice to Rashid: Treat 50-over games like Test matches

Tendulkar has also rooted for Afghan spin sensation Rashid Khan who is playing in his first World Cup. The former India captain advised the leg-spinner to “set attacking fields” and treat the 50-over games like a “Test match” and challenging the batsmen frequently.

“I think he’s (Rashid) going to be instrumental in creating those upsets in this tournament. If I have to tell him something, I would say, ‘Look, treat this as a Test match. Because even in the T20 format, you’ve been able to pick wickets because the batters have not read what you’ve done with your wrist. And you do that, back yourself, have an attacking field, and challenge batters to hit over mid-on and mid-off,’” Tendulkar said while making his commentary debut on Star Sports.

He also wanted Rashid to challenge the batsmen with a deep mid-wicket fielder. Regarding Warner, Tendulkar said the Australian opener who returned from a year-long ban two months ago, looked hungry, determined, focused and fitter in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Warner, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, finished as the top scorer this year despite playing a few matches less.

Rashid is Warner’s team-mate in the Sunrisers team but will lock horns with each other in their first match in the World Cup in Bristol on June 1 when Australia take on Afghanistan.