Loss doesn’t mean series is lost, says Tendulkar

new delhi — Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday threw his weight behind the beleaguered Indian team and said that the Virat Kohli-led side will bounce back from the embarrassing defeat against Australia in the first Test in Pune. India lost to Australia by a huge 333-run margin in the first Test failing to score even 110 runs in both innings.

Tendulkar, who flagged off the New Delhi Marathon here this morning, said that four-match Test series is still wide open. “Coming to India-Australia Test series, it was a tough Test match for us. But it is a part and parcel of the game. The loss (in the first Test) does not mean that the series is lost, the series is still wide open,” Tendulkar told reporters after flagging off the marathon race.

“Knowing the spirit of the Indian team I know that they will fight back hard. Australian team also knows about it because when we beat them, we also knew that they are going to come back at us really hard. I have no doubt that the Indian team is going to come back and compete hard,” he added. Tendulkar said tough moments come in every team and sportsperson’s career and that makes sports interesting.

“There are good moments and there are tough moments but it is all about how you stand back on your feet again and start competing. That is what makes the sport interesting. That is what sportspersons play for,” said Tendulkar who retired from international cricket in 2013 on pile of records, including an incredible 100 centuries.

Talking about the New Delhi Marathon, he said, “The positive thing about having this marathon is getting everyone more engaged.” — PTI