Congratulations to Sachin for breaking Brian Lara’s Test record. We are all lucky to have seen him play and some of us even more fortunate to have actually played against him.

I got him out a few times (three times in nine Tests and five times in 19 ODIs) and those moments were always pleasurable and are occasions that I really treasure because you always have to earn his wicket.

I wouldn’t say he is the hardest batsman to get out because when he comes to the wicket he carries so much expectation of all the passionate Indian people and is under so much pressure to score runs that he may then be nervous early on. I couldn’t sleep the night I bowled him first ball in Kolkata (in 1999)! Those are once in a career moments. 

But equally, when he gets in and is seeing the ball well, then it is the bowler who is in trouble because once set he is extremely tough to remove. Then it gets very difficult and is probably the greatest challenge you can face as a bowler.

Cricket would not be the same if Sachin was not playing or had not been a part of it. He is the most humble person and greatest example of a gentleman in the game. With all the records he has and the talent he has, you would never know because he always remains so quiet, modest and humble. He is a man and a half.

Sachin brought charisma and charm into cricket. I cannot say enough of how much of a gentleman he is. We all have to be thankful to him that he is playing this game and making our sport so much the better for his being there. I believe he will carry on scoring Test runs for at least another two years.

I doubt that this latest record or any of them will ever be bettered, though Ricky Ponting would probably have a chance because he is a bit younger than Sachin, is still a great player and is very fit. But for now, it is time to just say ‘well done’ to Sachin, a true champion.