Steyn among top three quicks of all time - Waqar

Waqar Younis, the former Pakistan fast bowler who is working with Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, is a "big fan" of South Africa's Dale Steyn. Sunrisers have been on a roll so far in IPL 2013, sitting third on the points table seven games in, and Steyn has played a central role in getting them there with eight wickets at 19.00 and an economy rate of 5.46. "Not only me but everyone in the cricket world loves Steyn for the way he plays the game. That's not only because of his bowling but other things that he brings to the table," Waqar told the IPL website on the eve of Sunrisers' game against Chennai Super Kings. "He likes to talk. He's amazing when he talks to the coaches and youngsters alike. He participates and shows interest in all the team matters. That's one reason why the team is doing so well." Steyn has the potential, Waqar said, to be the greatest quick in the game ever: "There have been some seriously great bowlers in the last four-five decades that I can remember. We've had Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, Michael Holding and so many big names. But Dale Steyn is definitely in the top three for me. And if he keeps going like this for the next two-three seasons, he'll hit the top. Not many bowlers have swung the ball at his pace and have had his fitness. He's an amazing athlete."

Vijay still a part of CSK's plans - Fleming
Chennai Super Kings are yet to solve their opening issues in IPL 2013, with M Vijay continuing to struggle at the top. In seven innings, he has 104 runs at 17.33. For now, though, coach Stephen Fleming said the team was backing Vijay to deliver. "He has not been firing for us, true. If you look back, at a similar stage last year we dropped him and he came back stronger," Fleming said. "But this year he is doing all the right things. I am still backing him because when he clicks, he is really good."

Tendulkar's 'tense' birthday bash
On Wednesday Sachin Tendulkar closed 40, and had to put up with much hype surrounding the occasion. In the morning, at a 'cake-cutting ceremony', Tendulkar spoke of his nervousness and gratitude he felt on the day. "[I have] never been so tense actually while cutting a cake," Tendulkar was quoted as saying - with a laugh - by PTI. "While walking to get here, I met Anil Kumble along the way. He wished me happy birthday and told me, 'Don't worry, 40 is just a number.' That was sort of relieving.

"Let me take this opportunity to thank all the people in India and all across the world who are well-wishers of mine. They have supported me and showered their unconditional love on me over the last 23 years. It has been my strength. I thought this was the best opportunity to come here and thank each and every one of them."