March 21, 2025: Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has lauded the current Indian cricket team, calling it a well-balanced squad with a perfect mix of youth, experience, and talent. Speaking during the sixth season of Backstage with Boria, Tendulkar emphasized that India is no longer just a “batting powerhouse,” but also boasts world-class pacers and spinners, elevating the team’s overall strength.
Tendulkar expressed his excitement about the fearless approach of modern-day players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, who are continuing the legacy of Indian cricket. “This team is filled with talent and has a great mix of youth and experience. What excites me the most is the fearless approach they have,” Tendulkar shared. He highlighted how the evolution of Indian bowlers, both pacers and spinners, has been a game-changer for the team.
The veteran cricketer pointed out that in addition to the powerhouse batting lineup, India now has a formidable bowling attack. “India is no longer just a batting powerhouse – we have world-class pacers and spinners as well,” Tendulkar added. Over the years, India has seen remarkable performances from batsmen such as Kohli, Sharma, Gill, and others, solidifying India’s reputation as a major force in both Test and limited-overs cricket. India’s dominant batting line-up has been complemented by bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in Test cricket, while pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav have played a crucial role in enhancing the fast bowling strength.
Tendulkar also praised the rise of young pacers like Mayank Yadav, Umran Malik, and Kartik Tyagi, whose performances have generated excitement among fans. India’s balanced team has been one of the key factors in maintaining an undefeated streak at home in Test cricket for over 12 years, although that run was broken by New Zealand in 2024.
Reflecting on the evolution of cricket in the age of T20 leagues, Tendulkar acknowledged the significance of platforms like the IPL, which have provided young players the opportunity to express themselves. However, he emphasized that Test cricket remains the ultimate test for any cricketer. “T20 leagues like the IPL have given young players a platform to express themselves. But at the same time, Test cricket remains the ultimate challenge. The format demands patience, technique, and endurance,” he said. Tendulkar stressed that no matter how much a cricketer plays T20 cricket, the essence of Test cricket remains unmatched in showcasing a player’s true abilities.
Tendulkar’s remarks underline the current strength of the Indian cricket team, as well as the ongoing evolution of the sport, while reinforcing the importance of the traditional format in testing the mettle of cricketers.