I can never be even half of Tendulkar is : Viru

New Delhi, Jan 20 (PTI) He once said in jest that the only difference between him and Sachin Tendulkar was in their bank balances, but Virender Sehwag, a trailblazer in his own way, said today that as a batsman he can never be "half of what the batting maestro is".

Very early in his career, Sehwag, whose height and body structure nearly makes him a Tendulkar lookalike when they are on the wicket, had said "the only difference between us is in our bank balance. I am nowhere near him." 

In fact, Sehwag arguably the most daring batsman in world cricket today told PTI in an interview that he would be honoured if Tendulkar is viewed as his 'guru'. "I would be honoured if he is viewed as my guru and I as his shishya (disciple)." 

Excerpts from an interview: 

Q: First, a couple of things which are of immediate concern. How soon can India become the number one Test team of the world and your view on ICC's recent list of all-time great cricketers? 

A: If Australia lose to South Africa in an away series next month and we do well in New Zealand, it might cost the present world champions their top spot. However, I foresee India to be a consistent world's best team by 2010. A lot of work sure still needs to be done. As for ICC's list, all of us (Team India members) are disappointed at how low they have placed Sachin Tendulkar.