Tendulkar is the best, says Vettori

Daniel Vettori has not only declared himself an unashamed fan of Indian cricket but has also waded into the greatest living batsman debate - endorsing the credentials of Sachin Tendulkar ahead of co-contenders Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting.

The New Zealand skipper, who in his autobiography last year named Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in a personal world Test eleven, said it was good for cricket in his country that supporters would have a final chance to witness such an outstanding trio of batsmen.

“Who's the best of the three modern greats (Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting or Tendulkar)? he asked? “I think Tendulkar is. Ponting runs him pretty hard but I think Tendulkar, for the manner in which he's handled the pressure; for the no-nonsense, lack of drama, even-keeled approach, has to rank as the best in my lifetime - at least so far.

“Laxman is simply the best player of spin-bowling in the world, and a very fine batsman against all-comers. He may not get the plaudits that some of his team-mates attract but he has immense respect around the cricketing world. Everyone I've spoken to about him sings his praises.”

And while Dravid was no longer in the Indian one-day squad, Vettori said the 36-year-old right-hander would probably make most other international 50-over line-ups, and that his skills remained largely undiminished, despite his age.

“Dravid might be remembered mainly for his Test match achievements but he's played some brilliant one day innings as well. I remember once at Hyderabad when he just took us apart; smashing Jacob Oram everywhere and setting up a huge total for India.”

Add to the mix India's exceptional skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fast-developing paceman Ishant Sharma, dependable left-arm swing merchant Zaheer Khan and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, and Vettori said it was clear his side will have to be on top of their game to emerge triumphant.

India will play New Zealand in an opening Twenty20 match on Wednesday in Christchurch, followed by a rematch in Wellington on Friday, after which they will start preparations for the first of the five ODIs, at Napier on the following Tuesday. The tour will end with three Tests, at Hamilton, Napier and Wellington.

“It's a very important series for us in terms of our development and evolution and we'll naturally be doing everything in our power to carry the day,” he said. “But there is a lot of respect within our camp for the Indian side, and that's only grown since they beat Australia during the spring series.”

“It's going to be tough work, no doubt. But on the other hand, there's a hell of a lot for us to play for.”