Tendulkar presence inspire others to deliever, feels Amre

Sachin Tendulkar need not wield his bat, his sheer presence in the dressing room inspires others to give their best, says Mumbai Ranji team coach Praveen Amre.

With no international commitments for Team India till March, Tendulkar decided to play for Mumbai, who on course of win in the Ranji semi-final against Saurashtra, and scored a 122 in the first innings despite fever owing to which he returned to pavilion retired hurt.

"To have Sachin Tendulkar in the team was itself a morale booster for the team and his century in the first innings was a bonus," Amre told PTI over phone from Chennai.

"He is a role model for budding players like Ajinkya Rahane and Dhawal Kulkarni. For them it was dream come true to play with him in such a crucial match. They are the future of Indian cricket and this was a learning experience for them," he added.

Amre also feels Tendulkar made his job rather easier.

"Naturally, it is always easy for any coach to have Sachin in the team. He shared his vast knowledge of the game with the players and so the atmosphere in dressing room was always electrifying."

Amre said players went to Tendulkar with their problems and the batting maestro, who is the top run-getter in international cricket, was always willing to help.

"None can explain like him. He is the master of the game and has a lot to offer," said Amre.

Incidently, Amre played cricket with Tendulkar in Mumbai's Shardashram. After playing some international matches he switched to coaching.

Asked about his experience as a coach with Tendulkar, Amre said nobody could teach him how to play.

"No coach in the world except Achrekar sir (Ramakant Achrekar) can teach Sachin anything. Forget me," he said.

He said this was a crucial match for Mumbai cricket because the team could not qualify for the final last year and faced a lot of criticism.

"This is one of the reasons that Sachin decided to play in the semifinal. Mumbai cricket is very close to his heart."

Asked whether Tendulkar would play if Mumbai qualifies, Amre said, "Of course we want him to play in the final. We want Mumbai to regain the Trophy and Sachin to be a part of that winning moment," said Amre.