Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan feels that pressure could have a huge effect on Indian players as they embark on their journey to regain the cricket World Cup after 28 years.
"I must tell that Indian media puts huge pressure on the Indian players. It's difficult for them to play freely. I can understand the kind of pressure that Sachin Tendulkar goes through, its unimaginable. Everytime, I watch something on television, I feel that Sachin must be needing tranquilizers with the kind of expectations that's there," Imran told a gathering during an event organised by CNN-IBN.
The event was also attended by former Indian captain Kapil Dev, legendary West Indian Vivian Richards, former Australian captain Allan Border, Pakistan batsman Zaheer Abbas.
The others present were former India spinner Maninder Singh, India discard Murali Karthik and member of the 1983 World Cup winning team Kirti Azad.
Imran, who along with Richards was the centre of attraction, also said his way of unearthing special talents like Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul Haq to name a few was based on "passion to perform."
"When you have played cricket till a certain level, you possess an ability to judge the talent of a particular cricketer. Apart from talent you look for passion to play for your country," Imran said.
{{/usCountry}}"When you have played cricket till a certain level, you possess an ability to judge the talent of a particular cricketer. Apart from talent you look for passion to play for your country," Imran said.
{{/usCountry}}Border, who was once the highest run-getter in Test cricket after surpassing Sunil Gavaskar in the early 90's rated Sir Don Bradman above Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar.
"It's not because I am an Australian but look at Sir Don's Test average which is 99 compared to Sachin's 56," Border said when the ever-lingering question on who's greatest of them all was asked.