Muttiah Muralitharan Praises This Indian Legend’s Ability to Read His Bowling At The Trailer Launch Of His Biopic 

Legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has lauded Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar for his exceptional ability to read his bowling during their encounters. Muralitharan, speaking at the trailer launch of his biopic titled ‘800,’ also mentioned that while Tendulkar and other Indian batters like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir could decipher his deliveries, former Indian cricketer and current head coach Rahul Dravid found it challenging to read him.

Tendulkar’s Recollection

During the event, Muttiah Muralitharan spoke highly of Sachin Tendulkar’s prowess in facing his spin bowling. He expressed admiration for Tendulkar’s ability to read his deliveries and handle his big-turning deliveries.

“He (Tendulkar) read me very well. Not many people can do (that). (Brian) Lara had success, but he never hit me either,” Muralitharan said during the trailer launch of his biopic titled ‘800’.

Sachin Tendulkar, who was present at the event, shared his memories of facing Muralitharan. He recalled their first meeting in 1992-93 and how their friendship had grown over the years. Tendulkar praised Muralitharan’s ability to extract spin from any surface and his dedication to mastering the ‘doosra’ delivery.

“He had developed the ‘doosra’ but spent a lot of time practising it in the nets. For 18 months, he continued practising the ‘doosra’ in the nets before he bowled the first ball in international cricket. The reason for that was that he should not lose his original strengths and the qualities that he possessed,” Tendulkar said while praising the legendary off-spinner. 

Muttiah Muralitharan acknowledged Sachin Tendulkar’s incredible achievements in cricket, highlighting his early entry into First-Class cricket at the age of 15 and his Test century at just 16-17 years of age. He emphasised that another cricketer of Tendulkar’s calibre might never be seen in his lifetime.

“What he (Sachin) has done in cricket, nobody can do. It is a fact. It is impossible for someone to get into First Class cricket at 15 years, getting a Test hundred at 16-17 years (of age). Another Sachin Tendulkar won’t be born in my life (time),” Muralitharan added.

Dravid’s Struggles Against Muralitharan

Muralitharan also mentioned that while Tendulkar, Sehwag, and Gambhir could read his bowling effectively, Rahul Dravid, despite being one of the greatest players, found it challenging to read his deliveries.

“I know a few people, like Rahul Dravid; he is one of the greatest players, but he never read me. Sachin (Sehwag) and Gambhir would read. Even in my team, some people read and some did not.”, Muralitharan said. 

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram