Allan Lamb, the former England cricketer, has sparked a debate in the cricketing world by declaring Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest Indian batter of all time, even placing him above Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli. The 71-year-old, who represented England in three World Cups and 79 Tests, humorously recalled an incident from early in Tendulkar's career, claiming it played a part in shaping the legend's success.
Lamb was referring to Tendulkar's first-ever Test century, an unbeaten 119 against England at Old Trafford in August 1990. "I played against him when he was 18. I dropped him at slip, and he went on to get 100 (in a Test match). So I always say to him, it was me that made your name (laughs)," Lamb told PTI. While said in jest, the comment has triggered discussions about Tendulkar's rise to greatness and comparisons with other iconic Indian batsmen.
When asked to pick between Tendulkar, Gavaskar, and Kohli, Lamb said, "Sachin easily". He acknowledged Kohli's brilliance, stating, "Kohli is a brilliant player, he's got all the shots, he can score quickly". However, he maintained that Tendulkar was the best he played against, even ahead of Gavaskar. Lamb did express a wish to have seen Tendulkar play against the dominant West Indies fast bowlers of Gavaskar's era, a challenge that Gavaskar faced and conquered.
Lamb also fondly remembers his time playing with Kapil Dev at Northamptonshire. "I loved the way Kapil Dev played. We played together at Northampton," he recalled. He shared an anecdote about Kapil Dev's determination to improve his batting, highlighting his competitive spirit.
The declaration comes amidst a backdrop of discussions and debates surrounding Tendulkar's legacy. Recently, the India-England Test series was renamed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, honoring both Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson. This decision, however, wasn't without controversy, as it meant retiring the Pataudi Trophy, which was named after Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansoor Ali Khan.
Sunil Gavaskar, another legend of Indian cricket, expressed his displeasure over the naming order of the new trophy, arguing that Tendulkar's name should come before Anderson's due to his seniority and superior achievements. Gavaskar also urged Indian fans and media to refer to the series as the "Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy". Sachin Tendulkar himself addressed the controversy, revealing that he had urged the BCCI and ECB to keep the Pataudi legacy alive. As a result, the "Pataudi Medal of Excellence" will be awarded to the winning captain of the series.
James Anderson has spoken about the England-India series being named after Sachin Tendulkar, stating he feels very proud. He also admitted that Sachin is someone he looked up to when he was growing up.
Meanwhile, Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly engaged in lighthearted banter on social media, reminiscing about their memorable partnership at Leeds in 2002. This exchange brought joy to fans, reminding them of the camaraderie and shared history between the two legends.
Allan Lamb's "made your name" comment adds another layer to the ongoing conversations about Sachin Tendulkar's place in cricket history. Whether a lighthearted jest or a genuine sentiment, it underscores the impact Tendulkar had on opponents and the lasting impression he left on the game. As the debate continues, Tendulkar's achievements and influence remain undisputed, solidifying his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
