Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] on Friday hailed Sachin Tendulkar [ Images ] as a 'genius' after the master batsman eclipsed Brian Lara [ Images ] to become the highest run-getter in Test cricket.

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"I congratulate Sachin Tendulkar on becoming the highest run scorer in Test cricket. Sachin is truly worthy of the mantle of the greatest run scorer in Tests. I have been following his cricket and there is no doubt that he is a genius."

President Pratibha Patil [ Images ] also congratulated the master batsman.

"You have given joy to countless Indians with your batting," the President said in her congratulatory message to Tendulkar.

Tendulkar surpassed Lara to become the highest run getter in Tests on the opening day of the second Test against Australia [ Images ] at Mohali. The master batsman bagged the milestone when his score passed 15 during India's [ Images ] first innings.