Ex-cricketers bat for Tendulkar

New Delhi: Former cricketers on Saturday flayed Sanjay Manjrekar for his controversial remarks on Sachin Tendulkar's injuries and said such uncharitable comments could dent the batsman's confidence ahead of the tri-series in Sri Lanka.

However, former India opener Chetan Chauhan said star players should be able to take criticism in their stride.

Manjrekar had written in a column recently that Tendulkar should play even if he was not 100 per cent fit since he brought in a lot of experience to the side, and that the timings of his injuries were dubious.

Former wicketkeeper and the chief of the selection committee Syed Kirmani said it was unfair to make comments without ascertaining the facts.

"Be it senior cricketers or commentators, it is wrong on their part to write without going into the fact of the matter."

"It is unfair that people write columns on assumptions and presumptions. If one knows for fact that Sachin faked injuries, he can write with authority. Without knowing the reality, one should not express his opinion or views to the extent of hurting one's feelings," he said.

Former coach and all-rounder Madan Lal said Tendulkar is criticised either way.

"It is sad that Tendulkar is criticised if he does not play when he is injured and also when he plays with an injury," he said.

"Manjrekar's comments are not in good taste. It is not the right thing to say about a player just before a series. Sachin is such a big player, he is the best judge of his injuries. You do get hurt by such comments, after all Sachin is also human," Lal said.

Tendulkar, on his part, has already expressed 'surprise' over the comments.

"I don't want to comment much but I feel sorry that an ex-India player has made statements without checking the facts and without talking to the people concerned. I also find it surprising that he has made the statements without being in the dressing room and knowing the true situation," Tendulkar said.

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Chauhan, however, said Manjrekar was free to give his opinion on the matter.

"There is nothing wrong with his comments. He is a former player and a commentator and follows cricket closely. Everyone cannot be a sycophant and praise you always. Former players have to give the correct picture. If players commit mistakes, one should point out."

"Although my opinion is different -- Tendulkar is a great player, there is nothing wrong with Manjrekar's opinion," Chauhan said.

"If a player is failing to perform, it has to be written about. He has to make way for someone who is performing because it is the team which should come first and not individuals."

Former spinner and ICC umpire S Venkataraghavan was of the view that current players needed encouragement above anything else.

"It is a grave mistake by Manjrekar. We all know Tendulkar's passion for cricket and I have no doubt in my mind that Sachin would never purposely avoid tours. It is a far-fetched suggestion."

Former off-spinner Shivlal Yadav termed the comments as nothing but a publicity seeking stunt by Manjrekar.

"No past cricketer or commentator should venture into writing on things happening in the dressing room or on fitness of senior players like Tendulkar."

"Manjrekar might have written that article only to attract publicity. There is no way Tendulkar would fake injuries for fear of failure. I was there with him for three months as manager during the Australian tour and I know for sure that Sachin gives more than 100 per cent."

"It is a great honour for our country that a player of Sachin's calibre and commitment is playing the game. Sachin is also a human being and not a machine, which also needs a break for service. Sachin also requires a break and a man of his stature should not be talked about," Yadav said.

Former selector Pranab Roy vouched for Tendulkar's commitment.

"During my stint with the selection committee, I never found Sachin Tendulkar wanting in commitment. I do not agree with Manjerkar. No one should raise such questions about a great player like Tendulkar."

Another former selector Sambran Banerjee said: "I think this is not at all a valid point. It is a very bad comment. Sachin is beyond such things."