Describing Sachin Tendulkar as the best batsman of modern times, legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev said the player still had a lot to offer to Indian cricket.
"I have fond memories of Sachin. I have witnessed his evolution from a 16-year-old boy to undoubtedly the best batsman in modern times. I personally think that he has lot to offer to Indian cricket and wish him the very best," the former India captain said on Thursday.
Kapil Dev, who was in Bangalore for the Hero Indian Sports Academy (HISA) awards ceremony to be held in the city on Saturday, said the current pool of cricketers is adequate to take on even the best team in the world.
Kapil said that although there had been some good individual performances last year, overall the team could have done better.
"It is nice to see a good mix of individual performance in different departments of the game. This means that the team is evenly balanced. Unfortunately, this did not result in overall team's performance."
Pointing out that Virender Sehwag was at his swashbuckling best when he reached his highest individual score of 309 against Pakistan at Multan in March last year, Kapil said the explosive batsman's quick reflexes and strength had been a revelation.
He said Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble are the backbone of the Indian batting and bowling respectively.
"Dravid is truly the mainstay of Indian batting attack".
"It seems Anil [Kumble] is getting younger by the day which is a good sign for the Indian team. His record has been consistent over the years and last year he took 74 wickets in 12 Tests with two 10-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls. I personally congratulated him for his rare feat when he became the highest Indian wicket taker of all time".
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