I grew up idolising Sachin Tendulkar, says Laxman

‘The most important thing which the youngsters can learn from Sachin is that he never considered himself above the game. The respect he gave to the game and his colleagues makes him special. He is such a special talent and he always played in the spirit of the game. He always kept team’s requirement above his. The way he came back from the injuries and played for the country is inspiring. He is a true role model not only for cricketers but for all sportspersons,’ the stylish Hyderabadi said.

Laxman felt, like every Indian cricketer he too grew up idolising Tendulkar. ‘I am honoured to have played with him for 16 years. I grew up idolising him as at such a tender age of 16 he played the best bowlers in the world with so much ease,’ said the former batsman.

He also said it was Tendulkar who made him feel comfortable in the dressing room in his debut series against South Africa in 1996.

When asked to share special moments with Sachin, Laxman said it was hard to single out one. ‘We used to travel 250 days in a year and spent a lot of time together hence it is hard for me to single out one moment. He is like god in India and it’s easy to get carried away, but he is grounded,’ said Laxman.