Dismissing Sachin a dream come true: Menaria

JAIPUR: How does it feel when your first wicket of the IPL is that of Sachin Tendulkar? "I really cannot express my feelings," was how Rajasthan Royals' Ashok Menaria reacted to the question. "Here was the person whom you have worshipped all your life and you manage to get him out. I just did not know how to celebrate."
Udaipur-based Menaria did celebrate, running around and sharing high-fives."I have always dreamt of playing with Sachin-bhai and here I was, taking his wicket," Menaria told TOI on Friday.
He added another wicket to his bag, that of Ambati Rayudu, but doesn't really want to compare the two. "Once you have dismissed Sachin, you just develop a certain confidence. Any other wicket looks quite ordinary."
Menaria did not plan for Tendulkar, but his bowling action helped him realise that the legendary batsman would step out. "If you have noticed my bowling, I stop before the delivery," Menaria explained. "Sachin must have charged out early because as soon as I stopped, I noticed his movement and realised what he was aiming for." The young left-arm spinner knew exactly what he had to do. "Sachin doesn't get out this way often. I would say I was very lucky."
Henceforth known mainly for his batting exploits, Menaria is happy that he has qualified to be called an all-rounder. "Before my injury, I was known as an all-rounder. But lately, my batting has been in focus. Now I guess, I will again be known as an all-rounder."
Incidentally, another Rajasthan-based player whipped off the bails to send Tendulkar back to the pavilion. Dishant Yagnik has been quick behind the wickets and on Friday, he gave another display of his smooth reflexes. "Yes, it is good for Rajasthan cricket," Menaria said. "We are proving that cricketers of this state can stand up to be counted too."
Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne has had great faith in Menaria. "I have always said he is a special talent," Warne said on Friday. "I have been comparing him with Ravindra Jadeja, but now I think Menaria is more clever."
Menaria, on his part, thanked Warne for showing enough faith in him to give him the new ball. "It is only due to Warne that I am tasting success."
Menaria's early wickets set up a comfortable victory for the Royals over Mumbai Indians on Friday. Johan Botha went to finish the job with a three-for-six, followed by a 39-ball 45.