Stage is set for this three-in-one genius

Whether with the bat or ball Tendulkar has performed his magic so often that he is seen as an almost super human cricketer. This 3-in-one genius will be watched closely right through this World Cup. Primarily as it will be the first major test for him after he was laid low with a bad back. A number of experts’ diagnosed his problem as the effects of using a heavy willow, which they stated was too heavy for a person of his strength and build.

It was generallyaccepted that Tendulkar’s awesome power while driving off either foot was a result of superb timing and a bat with a heavy bottom. It is not known whether he has switched to a lighter bat after the back problem. If he has, it remains to be seen whether he can smash the bowlers over their head with the same crunching effect.

But it is not as if that is the only shot up his sleeve. In fact Tendulkar has no discernible weakness. He plays every shot in the book and with telling effect. If anything, his desire to dominate is so strong that he sometimes loses his wicket while trying to hit the bowler into submission. This is what most bowlers pray for.

On the other hand, if he gets going, there is no force on earth which can stop this genius who has all the makings of another Viv Richards. Indian fans will be hoping that he would terrorise bowlers in England in much the same fashion as the West Indian great. If that happens over the next 45 days, champagne will be uncorked all over India on June 20.