Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar reckons that while selecting a national team, age should be the sole criteria as the talent also needs to be considered. 

After being asked about England blooding young players like the 20-year-old all-rounder Sam Curran and now batsman Ollie Pope (in the squad for the second Test against India), as quoted in ESPN Cricinfo, Sachin replied, “If somebody is good, he should play for the country and age shouldn’t be the criteria.”

ALSO READ: Curran thanks his family support to make him stronger

Tendulkar, who made his debut against Pakistan as a 16-year-old in 1989 remembered his time as a rookie international. He said, “When I played my first game, I was only 16. In a way, it only helped. I didn’t know what it was like to face Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir. Possibly, the best bowling attack at the stage.”

The batting legend also reckons that throwing a young cricketer to the deep end of the pool is a good thing.

Tendulkar added, “You only see one side of the coin as you are young and fearless but with experience and maturity, you start seeing the other side as well to balance things out.”

Master blaster also urged Curran and Pope to enjoy the challenge that makes international cricket so fascinating.

ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar Justifies Why Virat Kohli Is A Class Apart

Giving the youngster some tip for their big day, he said, “…that is the age when you don’t see anything and just want to do well. There are going to be tough moments but that’s what you play for.”

Sachin, who was speaking as part of opening his cricket academy in association with English county Middlesex, also said that when players are young they do not seen the other side of the coin and just have fun and perform.