Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin reckons the ageing Sachin Tendulkar could opt for a more open-chested stance to counter quick incoming deliveries which has accounted for his bowled dismissals in recent times.
Azhar said a chest-on stance will give Tendulkar just that little extra time to cover the swing of the ball and such a change may help the batsman on the bouncier tracks in South Africa where India will play their next Test series.
‘With age, reflexes get slower but you can wriggle out if you have the technique like Tendulkar has,’ Azharuddin said. He further explained, ‘With side-on stance, you can see the delivery with only one eye but a chest-on stance helps to observe with both eyes. This also helps one to cover the swing. I have a feeling that Tendulkar will find it easier to play the inswinger. Once he scores a few runs, he can again revert back to his side-on stance.’
Azhar also cited his own example of having sought Zaheer Abbas’ advice on changing his grip during India’s tour of Pakistan in 1989 which helped him regain lost touch. ‘Initially, I found it painful as it hurt my thumb and my right hand would come off the handle. It took time but I was open to suggestions and it worked for me,’ he said.