One of my best innings in any form of cricket: Tendulkar

Former Indian skipper Sachin Tendulkar said at a post match press conference at Mumbai on Saturday said that he rated his 233 not out against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy semifinal as one of his best innings he has ever played in any form of cricket.

Tendulkar, who made his highest ever first class score, said "this is one of my best innings. This includes one-day internationals and Test cricket also". Though Mumbai scored an outright victory, it was the classy knock from the master blaster which brought his team into the game and gain the vital five run first innings lead.

Tendulkar said he was determined and focussed and added "I had decided to hang in there to the very end". Tendulkar who relinquished the Mumbai captaincy on the eve of the game, was all praise for the Mumbai bowlers whom he thought did very well in the second innings. He added ``it was not that they were taking wickets at regular intervals, but they bowled a disciplined line and length and kept the pressure on.''

Mumbai coach Ashok Mankad said he was satisfied with the way the captain Samir Dighe had led the side. He said that the former Indian wicketkeeper led by example. He added that Dighe has regained both his confidence and form with his last two knocks in the premier championship match. Mankad, a former Indian opener, praised Tamil Nadu's performance stating that they were a good side and felt they lacked only in the spin department.

As for young Hemang Badani it was a double disappointment - a century in a losing cause and then not being named in the list of 24 players selected for the National Cricket Academy. But what must have satisfied him personally was the appreciation he received from Tendulkar, who had words of praise for Badani, saying ``the 162 in the first innings was a classy innings. Even in the second knock he batted brilliantly,'' asserted Tendulkar. ``I was very impressed with his application. He is prepared to stay at the wicket and get his runs.''

Replying to a question whether Badani was a Test prospect, Tendulkar said "It is too early to pass judgement on him. I have only seen him in these two innings. Let us give him some more time. But whatever I have seen has been impressive. Badani has the makings of a good batsman.''