Dwayne Smith Reflects on Learning from Tendulkar at MI, Credits Preparation for Greatness

Key Takeaways

Dwayne Smith opened the batting with Sachin Tendulkar.
The duo won the 2013 Champions League Twenty20.
Smith learned valuable lessons about batting from Tendulkar.
He cherished the experience of playing alongside cricket legends.
Smith reflected on his connection with Brian Lara.

Dubai, March 3 (NationPress) Nearly ten years ago, Dwayne Smith from the West Indies had the incredible opportunity to open the batting alongside the iconic Sachin Tendulkar while playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI). Together, they achieved the remarkable feat of winning the 2013 Champions League Twenty20, a tournament that is no longer active.

Smith shared that taking the field with Tendulkar and following him out of the dugout was a dream come true. 'My time playing alongside him was effortless. I remember our IPL days where I was batting with him, and he advised me to keep hitting the ball straight without cutting or pulling across the line.'

'He was doing the opposite, and I thought, 'Wow.' Then he leaned in and smirked, saying, 'Do as I say, not as I do.' That phrase has stuck with me ever since. Opening the batting with him was a dream realized—being out there with one of cricket's greats and walking behind him was truly special, as I always had to follow him, the legend.'

'As I walked behind him, I wasn't sure who was cheering for me. Once he went out and the crowd erupted, I realized they might be cheering for me too. It's a privilege to play against and alongside such players,' Smith told IANS during the International Masters League (IML) in Vadodara, where he is representing the West Indies.

Diving deeper into memory lane, Smith reflected on the qualities that established Tendulkar as a global cricketing icon. 'During my time with Mumbai, I always tried to stay close to him. I wanted to learn from the person I was playing with and understand who I was stepping up to bat alongside.'

'I consistently sought his guidance and he was always available and generous with his knowledge, highlighting his greatness through his meticulous match preparation.'

The current tournament has also allowed Smith to reconnect with another cricketing legend, Brian Lara, a moment he holds dear. 'Seeing him again is special. As a young fan, I watched him set the record for the first time, and then being on the same team when he achieved it on my birthday was surreal.'

'His scoring 400 (the highest individual score in Tests) was a dream realized. Batting with him has led to some fantastic partnerships, and it's always a pleasure to be out there with him.'