Saeed Ajmal, former Pakistan off-spinner described Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar as not just a remarkable cricketer, but also a person of honesty and kindness. Ajmal further shared that he addresses Tendulkar as "Sir." Ajmal took Tendulkar's wicket during the 2011 World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan in Mohali. Tendulkar was awarded Player of the Match for his crucial half-century, as India triumphed in the knockout game by 29 runs.
''Sachin is a great cricketer. The most honest and kind in the world. He is a legend. I call him Sir. He is worthy of that. In cricket, when you go to the ground, there is nothing like Sir, but I have played with him in it, it is a matter of honor for me. I have got him out, it is a matter of happiness for me. I will always remember this and whenever I played with him, I played as a human with respect'' Ajmal told at a recent event (via ANI).
In an intriguing story, he also recounted how Tendulkar once suggested him to bowl a doosra to Kevin Pietersen, leading to the England batter's dismissal. As per Ajmal, this incident took place during a league match in 2010, where both players were on the same side.
''I played with him in a league in 2010. He told me to get Pietersen out by doing 'doosra'. Then I got Pietersen out. He was very happy. Then, when I took 4 wickets in 4 overs, Sachin told me that now the match has 6 wickets left, you should not finish it early. He has always respected us. He is a very good man," he added.
The 46-year old Ajmal appeared in 35 Tests, taking 178 wickets at an average of 28.10, including 10 five-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket match performances. The 46-year-old also participated in 113 ODIs, securing 184 wickets at an average of 22.72 with an economy rate of 4.18, along with two five-wicket hauls. In T20Is, the former Pakistan coach picked up 85 wickets in 64 matches, averaging 17.83 with an economy rate of 6.36. During his playing days, he proved to be an absolute menace against the opposition batters.