The unbridled aggression may have paved way for a sedate approach but Sachin Tendulkar, even after the wears and tears of 18 years of international cricket, remains as effective as ever, according to former England captain Geoffrey Boycott.
The former England opener said ageing is a natural process but what is unique about Tendulkar is the fact that he is still able to score those runs when required.
"As a batsman it is not how many runs you make but whether you do it when it matters. Tendulkar showed all his experience, skill and ability," Boycott wrote in his column for The Daily Telegraph.
"As he gets older he does not dominate bowling as he did in his younger days. He does not have the same range of shots and has to use his brain instead. It makes no difference because he is just as effective as he ever was," said the cricketer-turned-commentator, known for forthright views.
According to him, Tendulkar's sublime century in the Chennai Test could be a lesson for all other batsmen.
"This year alone he has made over 1,000 runs in Test cricket at an average of over 50. As they age all batsmen and bowlers must be able to fall back on what they have learned so that when that little bit of youthfulness has gone, you make up for it with experience and knowledge," he said.
Upset with Monty Panesar's average show in the match, Boycott said the England spinner should learn from Tendulkar.
"Panesar and Tendulkar are two opposites. Panesar has talent but has learned nothing. Tendulkar is brilliant and has learned everything," he observed.
According to Boycott, the Sikh spinner still has a long way to go in Test cricket.
"Shane Warne's comment is very appropriate. He basically said Panesar has not learned a thing in Test cricket. To be a great spin bowler, it is not enough to spin the ball and bowl it on a length ball after ball. That is only the simple basics. You have to think batsmen out by subtlety and variation. You have to be able to cope with pressure. It
demands a different mindset when you bowl in the fourth innings and have to get a team out to win the match.
"For a spinner there is no bigger pressure than bowling at Indian and Sri Lankan batsmen, because they are brought up with spin and are very, very good at playing it. Monty simply has a lot to learn," Boycott said.
