Imran Tahir will pose a threat: Sachin Tendulkar

MUMBAI: As Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and company prepare to tackle the threat South Africa's lethal pace attack is expected to pose, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has urged India's batsmen to be just as wary of wily Proteas leggie Imran Tahir when the eagerly anticipated series begins next week.
Once regarded among the game's best players of spin, India have struggled to live up to that proud tag in recent years where they have been found wanting against even part-time spinners on occasions.While middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane was forced to brush aside suggestions that the current line-up were bad players of the turning ball earlier this month, Tendulkar seemed clear about the latest spin challenge awaiting the home side in the form of Tahir.
“Imran Tahir is one good bowler and we'll have to play against him properly. He might possibly be one of the leading bowlers,” Tendulkar said at an event here on Friday.
Reiterating his respect for the array of talent within the South African ranks, the retired batting master said: “I've never played against a South African side you could term an okay side. They were always a very very strong side and it's no different right now. AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and don't forget Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.”
Cricket's most prolific run-maker, however, also heaped praise upon the current Indian side. “I think our team is a fantastic one, an extremely talented and committed bunch of guys,” said the 42-year-old, adding: “I know a lot of things have been said about the players but I know them closely and when it comes to cricket there are no shortcuts. The guys are committed. This series is going to be an exciting series, be it T20, ODI ­ for me obviously Test series is something I'm looking forward to. There's great team balance on both sides of the fence.”
Tendulkar has had his fair share of absorbing duels with South Africa. “When you talk about South African matches, how can I forget the (1993) Hero Cup semifinals -most incredible match that I have been part of.”