Early blow not decisive, says Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar believes in the first cut effect. But he is not convinced that it is the deepest. The Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata ties between India and South Africa have been won by the side which struck early.

Shaun Pollock did it in the last match at Kolkata, while the former captain, Andre Nel and Makhaya Ntini had India on the back foot at Hyderabad. Irfan Pathan's early blows lifted India at Bangalore.

Tendulkar did not agree that the initial blow will decide today's tie at the Wankhede. "It (initial blow) will provide the upper hand for a while. There are 100 overs to be bowled and that is a long time. It will help the team think differently but will not decide the outcome," Tendulkar told Mid Day yesterday.

The batting maestro doesn't come into today's game with a great run of scores. He has been dismissed by Pollock on three occasions -- each time for two. In Hyderabad, he was at the receiving end of a poor decision and was surprised by the catch taken by Robin Peterson in Bangalore. Pollock's peach of a cutter had him in trouble at Kolkata.

"It is tough but you have to move on. You can't have a smooth highway all the time -- you get a few potholes in between. You have to see to it that all obstacles are overcome," he said.

Despite bouts of controversy, these are exciting times for Indian cricket -- what with the talent coming through. Tendulkar does the balancing act. "I have no doubt that the fielding standards have shot up and the fitness levels of the newer lot are very good.

"We are heading in the right direction but this is just the beginning. We should not get carried away. At the same time, strike the right balance and figure out the players who are India's future and not just because a particular player is a youngster and has shown promise in a couple of games."