It’s a tough call between Yuvi and Chopra: Sachin

Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly had recently said Yuvraj was the first choice opener to pair Sehwag in Tests. But later, Sehwag said he preferred a defensive player like Aakash Chopra or Sanjay Bangar as his partner. Tendulkar detailed his view: ‘‘Chopra looked very solid at the crease. He had done well in two tough tours, Australia and Pakistan. He looked very confident and very solid. Above all, Chopra is mentally tough. That is what as an opener you require.’’

But Tendulkar said though Yuvraj has not opened in Tests, he has been an exceptionally talented cricketer. ‘‘It is going to be a tough call because either way a very talented player is going to miss out. Both Chopra and Yuvraj are very good. If you pick Chopra, then you will miss out an exceptionally talented player like Yuvraj. And if you select Yuvraj then you will lose a solid player in Akash. That is a difficult choice,’’ the master blaster said.

Tendulkar also reserved a word of praise for the fast bowlers for their excellent show in Pakistan and Australia. ‘‘They have shown great discipline and fitness level. Very importantly, from the team’s point of view, they have been able to bowl long spells. They have bent their back and gave a motivated performance in tough situations. The credit goes for them,’’ he said.

With a hectic season starting from the Asia Cup, to be held in Sri Lanka from July 16, Tendulkar said the team should make a fresh start.

‘‘You should not carry the thoughts of the victory in Pakistan. It is a fresh season and a fresh start is required. We should not be over-confident. We need to continue with what we have done in the past and just focus on basics. Eventually, we have to turn back to basics of the game,’’ he signed off.