Date:26/04/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/26/stories/2004042602651900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Tendulkar still the top icon

New Delhi: Though India has developed a strong batting line-up in recent years, Sachin Tendulkar continues to remain the top icon of Indian cricket, according to a report in the Daily Times on Sunday. The "master blaster" turned 31 on Saturday.

According to the report, Sehwag may be the only Indian to slam a Test triple-century, but India still relies on Tendulkar to improve its fortunes. Such is his stature that he grabs headlines as much with his failures as with his successes.

The paper quoted Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble as saying, "I don't know if his batting has changed in the conventional sense, but today he knows his game very well. He is more solid now. I am I'd certainly say he is more comfortable now."