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Mar 21, 2012

Even after scoring 99 tons, scoring another one wasn't easy: Sachin Tendulkar

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who returned from Dhaka on Wednesday after India's exit from the Asia Cup, said that although the pressure of scoring the hundredth ton is off, it was not easy for him to get it despite scoring 99 centuries.

"The pressure is off. It was a difficult phase and all of us had to wait for it for a long time. But it has made everyone realise, including me, that even after scoring 99 hundreds to score another one is not easy," Tendulkar said.

"Let's look forward to the next season. This season is over and I look forward to the next season," he added.

Sachin also praised Virat Kohli, who scored two centuries in the Asia Cup which include his 183 against Pakistan, but requested everyone not to pressurise him with expectations.

"I think he is a very good player. He is a brilliant player. He has done well but all I can say is don't put pressure on him. Let him play freely," he said.

He also had a word of praise for Rohit Sharma. "Rohit also batted really well. He showed a lot of composure and the way he built that partnership with Virat was really important for all of us. That partnership happened at a critical moment."

On India's exit from the Asia Cup, Tendulkar said: "We go out to win every match and sometimes it's not possible to win every match and sometimes the opposition plays better cricket than you and that is what happened. I would not want to take the credit away from them. I think they played well."

When asked if the luck didn't favour India despite beating the two stronger teams, he said: "I think overall it was good cricket but all three teams that won they have won two matches each so it's been a competitive tournament."