No need to panic, says Tendulkar
Mumbai: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is in no mood to press the “panic” button after India’s loss to New Zealand in their first World Cup warm-up game, saying Virat Kohli’s men should utilise the practice matches to learn more about the conditions ahead of the main tournament. Pre-tournament favourites India put up a dismal show in their opening practice game, losing by six wickets to New Zealand in London on Saturday. Electing to bat, India made a below-par 179, which the Kiwis chased down in 37.1 overs. “I will not judge the team after each and every game. It's a tournament and things like these will happen. The main tournament has not even started yet,” Tendulkar said. “I think, we need to settle down, one or two games may go here and there. India should make most of the practice matches leading to the World Cup. They should understand what kind of surfaces they might get. I won't panic at all as of now,” he added. The master blaster said warmup games provide all participating teams an idea about things to come and plan accordingly in the main tournament. "Many a times, teams are trying different combinations, batting line up. Almost all teams are not sure about their front-line, playing 11, several bowlers and batsmen are rested. Nobody is wanting to expose their proper playing XI. “All the teams are preparing and trying different combinations in those conditions, which would work for them,” he said.