'Everyone knows how dedicated Sachin was to his country'

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has said Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar was the best player in world cricket and nobody
could replace him.

Playing cricket for more than two decade itself was a great achievement of the ace cricketer, Jayasuriya, who was here as guest of honour at the concluding ceremony of the Journalists Premier League (JPL) organised by Trivandrum Press Club, said.

"Everyone knows what he did in cricket and how dedicated he was to his country. He is a simple man and easily approachable. He is the best player I have ever seen and the best in world cricket," former Sri Lankan captain said. 

Jayasuriya, also the Chairman of the national selection committee of Sri Lanaka, said playing with Tendulkar, who retired from cricket recently, for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the best moment in his life. 

The present Indian team, under M S Dhoni, has the best batting line-up and youngsters like Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina were playing very well, he said.

Jayasuriya also pointed out that the young cricketers, starting their career playing T20 cricket, might struggle in future.

He advised they should be thorough with the traditional forms of cricket.

Image: Sachin Tendulkar
Photographs: Hitesh Harisinghani