'I hadn't encountered anyone like him'- Sachin Tendulkar on Wasim Akram

Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram [Source: Twitter]

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar represented India for 24 long years. In a career spanning more than two decades, Sachin came across bowling greats from across generations. From Imran Khan to Dale Steyn, the Indian legend thrived against his every rival. 

However, recently the legendary Indian cricketer has revealed that Wasim Akram is the most competent fast bowler he has ever encountered. 

Making a special contribution to Wasim Akram's autobiography, Sultan: A Memoir, Sachin admitted to not being exposed to anyone of Wasim's calibre, hailing the Pakistani great for his incredible skill set. 

Here's what Sachin wrote

"Cricket is a team sport, but everything goes back to the rivalry of batter and bowler, and in Wasim Akram every batter had a wonderful rival - when you play against someone of that calibre, it lifts your game as well, and the experience stays with you forever. Wasim was a master. He made the ball talk,

"His run-up was so natural. Unlike most fast bowlers, he didn't need to measure his steps; he could just start from anywhere and still be as effective. He ran through the crease so quickly you hardly had time to set yourself up. When I first faced him, I'd never encountered anyone like Wasim. Every game we played against each other I remember. and every time we meet now it is in warm friendship."

Sachin and Akram shared some great rival moments on the field, the most prominent being their battle in the 1999 Chennai Test. 

While every other Indian batter seemed clueless against the swing maestro, Sachin played a knock of the highest quality, slamming 136 runs that nearly ensured a miraculous win for India. 

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