Best seat in the house

More than a day has passed,but Dinesh Karthik still cant forget the look in Sachin Tendulkars eyes when he came in to bat. Tendulkar had hit three immaculate fours in his 16 runs but Karthik insists he knew more were to follow. Its tough to describe in words but I had this hunch that he was shaping up to play a special knock, says Karthik,who watched Tendulkar from the non-strikers end,while spending 29.3 over in the double centurions company.

After Karthik,it was Yusuf Pathans chance to get a master class. The way he was timing the ball,I thought it was impossible to get him out. Many might not believe this now,but I had a hunch that 200 was possible, says Pathan. While Tendulkar hasnt traveled with the team to Ahmedabad,opting to rest after the marathon,the memories of his historic knock have traveled with Team India.

During his association with Yusuf,Tendulkars confidence had grown as he too started toying with the bowlers. My most memorable Tendulkar shot was his flick to the leg-side. At times they were bowling full-length balls outside off but Tendulkar used his wrist and guided the ball to the square-leg fence, says Yusuf.

Tendulkar was not only scoring runs,he was also giving vital tips to his young partners. Sachin advised me to try and spend time at the crease. Once I completed my 50,he asked me to try and convert this into a big score. He told me How often do you get a chance… make the most of this opportunity, Karthik adds.

Tendulkar also asked Yusuf to go for his attacking shots. It was a watch and learn exercise for me, says Yusuf.