Sachin Tendulkar, the leading run scorer in World Cups, was present during the first match of the Cricket World Cup 2019. The modern great picked 3 players and 4 semifinalists when asked about his prediction for this World Cup.
Tendulkar was making his commentary debut for Star Sports at The Oval.
When asked which four teams he would pick for the semi-final, Tendulkar picked India, England, and Australia. For the 4th slot, he was a little confused between New Zealand and South Africa. But in the end, Tendulkar picked New Zealand as his 4th choice for semifinalists.
The batting great was on air for 13 overs at the start of South African innings. Tendulkar said that he is eagerly waiting to watch Rashid Khan bowl, “I think he’s going to be instrumental in creating those upsets in this tournament.”
Afghanistan is playing its second World Cup this time, but Rashid is playing his first. In 2015, they won against Scotland and lost to other teams but this time they are looking much more solid and confident.
Apart from India, Tendulkar picked two more players, each from Australia and England. Tendulkar believes that Australian opener David Warner will the best batsman of this edition. “Warner looked hungry, determined, focussed and fitter. In extreme conditions, he pushed himself and ran hard. He looks determined so I think he’s the batter to watch out for,” said Tendulkar.
Tendulkar also picked England’s new sensation, Jofra Archer as one of the players to watch out. Archer took 3 for 27 against South Africa in the opening game (Tendulkar picked Archer during the innings break). He thinks a lot will depend on how Archer will perform in a crunch situation.
Tendulkar will be part of the Star Sports commentary team and will be seen again during India v South Africa match on June 5.