As Yuvraj Singh prepares to start his second innings in international cricket after his successful battle with cancer, Sachin Tendulkar says the "champion" has set a great example for not just fellow sportspersons but all those suffering from the disease.

"He's undergone those tough treatments and those tough sessions and he's back in the Indian cricket team. So he's set a great example not only for the sportsman to follow but for a common man suffering from cancer. I think he's set a great example," Tendulkar said.

Calling him a champion, Tendulkar remembered Yuraj's heroics in the 2011 World Cup.

"To me he's a champion, once a champion will always be a champion. I was really happy that he got the Man of the Series, Man of the tournament in the World Cup and then yes, he had health problems", Tendulkar told.

"And then again, as I said he's a champion and he proved it and he's addressed those issues with the help of the doctors and every possible thing which a cancer patient should do he's done," he said.

The veteran batsman was impressed with the India colts' triumph in the Under-19 World Cup recently, and picked captain Unmukt Chand for special praise.

"Yeah, I mean to be honest, I haven't seen much of him (Unmukt). But whatever I have seen I've really liked. I got to spend some time with the U-19 team before they left for the World Cup. It was a fantastic experience to share my thoughts with the team and also to watch them play fabulous cricket.

"They really played well. They played well as a team. In fact, when the Hyderabad Test was on while getting ready in my room I used to switch on the television to watch the game and that would continue till we reached the dressing room. We saw the finals but brilliant, they really batted well", he said.

"And with the help of some brilliant performances, individual performances, Unmukt has really done well in the finals. It was fantastic moment to watch them celebrate that victory once they got the trophy. The celebration was superb," Tendulkar said.

Talking about his best knock in 2011, a year which saw India winning the World Cup that was followed by the team's disastrous tour to England," Tendulkar chose the one he scored against South Africa in Cape Town at the start of the year.

"My best knock in 2011, I would say I scored a 100 in Cape Town in the third Test in South Africa. I think I scored a 140 plus so that's got to be the most challenging knock of 2011.

"The wicket had bounce and movement and when I look back I feel that one session I played with Gautam on the 3rd morning (and) for 55 or 57 minutes we didn't rotate the strike. I mean that was the quality and standard of bowling, It was really high and one of the enjoyable sessions that I find most challenging session that I have been part of."

On the Indian team's performance in the year gone by, he said it was a "special year".

"2011 was a really special year, especially the first half. The first half we won the World Cup which was the ultimate thing. I waited for 22 long years to lift the trophy.

"That evening was really special, you can only dream of such things and when they turn into reality, you're speechless."

He also spoke about the outings in England and Australia.

"England tour wasn't that great for the team. There were individual good performances but when you look at the team it wasn't a great tour for us though immediately when England came to India we showed them the other side of the coin.

"There were moments where we felt that sort of in the driving seat (in the Melbourne Test), but they slipped away from us. We were not able to grab them."

On records and the 100th hundred, Tendulkar said, "Well, I know that this will only happen once in my entire life. I can't get another award for that. Records are meant to be broken. I'm happy that it has happened."

I did not go chasing anyone to become MP: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, who attended his first session at the Rajya Sabha on the opening day of the Monsoon session, said that it was an honour and a new experience, but insisted that he did not go chasing anyone to become a Member of Parliament.

“It's an honour but I have not fought elections. Neither did I go chasing anyone to please make an MP. It's an honour and I accept it with full respect.

“Parliament was a new experience and I am learning all the while,”

With India set to play New Zealand in the first of the two-match Test series this week, the master blaster said his focus is now cricket.

“My mind right now is on cricket to be honest. When the time comes I will start thinking in that direction but I should not forget the reason why all these things have happened in my life. All these things have happened because of cricket.

“It's an honour and privilege to play for India for such a long time. I am happy with anything that happens around cricket and I am happy about being made a Rajya Sabha MP, but cricket is in the foreground for sure. It is paramount.”

The Little Master once again squashed any rumours of retirement saying he will retire when the time comes.

“It will come when it has to come.”

The 39-year-old said he wants to enjoy his game and denied any plans of focusing on playing one format.

“I have not thought about it at this stage. The next ODI for India is a long time way, in December, so I am open minded as I always have been and look to enjoy my game right now.”

The Mumbai batsman praised Duncan Fletcher considering it has not been a great year for the India coach.

“Duncan has been really good. Sometimes it happens (bad results) to the best of sides. I feel he's doing a fantastic job. It was a testing time for him and everyone when he came in.

“He dealt with it brilliantly, kept his calm and at the same time he kept trying to see how we could improve, what we could do better. He never lost his patience. It wasn't an easy period for anyone, for coach, player or the team to deal with the kind of season we had. But Duncan controlled everything quite nicely.”

I take things series by series: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is not an easy man to get, simply because he guards his privacy almost to a fault. Also, he does not like to talk about an impending series or season for that would mean setting a goal and then dealing with the added pressures of coming good on the promise. But manage to sit him down and you get to hear some secrets, like how, while preparing at the NCA ahead of a Test series, he simulates match conditions by spending as much time in the academy as he would at the ground during a Test. Excerpts from an exclusive interview...

You are coming off a long break, how has the off-season been and what have you been up to?

All the while I was spending time with my family, taking my son for training and things like that, going on walks, watching movies. (He was abroad most of the time).

Having played for so many years, is it becoming increasingly difficult to leave the family and play for India?

As I said, off-season it is obviously time for the family to take precedence but I also know that it is important to prepare myself properly before a series. When it comes to it, over the years, I have learnt to balance things. Switching on and switching off is important, something I focus on. I have figured out that the balance is very important.

What kind of training do you do to keep fit during the off-season?

I normally do more of sprint work than long distance. I find that works with me much better. For my body that is the ideal workout but also you have to do a little bit of gym work. I go by my feel, whatever my body tells me. Your body keeps giving you messages, there are signals, you pick what the requirement is and I go by that.

Someone like Dhoni says he doesn't touch the keeping gloves between series, do you think similarly, not pick up the bat at all for a while?

When I can afford to switch off then I don't (touch the bat) but that is when there is a longer period. It depends on how much time we have. If there are 10 days between two series and I feel I am moving well, then I will take if easy for four or five days. Generally six to seven days a series, I start my preparation. Of course at the beginning of a new season, I need more time to prepare myself.

Are you taking things series by series or season by season?

Series by series - always looked at it that away. Every series you play, opposition strengths are different and areas to work on are different. So, it is always advisable to take it series by series. Once the season is over, then we can look it as a whole, what made me successful and what were the areas I can get better.

What about retirement?

I don't think like that. It will come when it has to come.

What about playing any one format?

I have not thought about it at this stage. The next ODI for India is a long time way, in December, so I am open minded as I always have been and look to enjoy my game right now.

How does the NCA help someone like you? Is it fair that it is at times termed a rehab centre?

It is not just about rehab, it's about training. The facilities are good and I have enjoyed practising here. Even the last time I enjoyed it there, it helps you getting into that zone, the mood you have to be in. Coming here is the first step I would say to the start of a series or joining the team or whatever. And I feel the facilities have become better and better over the years. It is functioning brilliantly and all the players like spending time here. When it becomes a joy to be here, you know the BCCI has done a fantastic job.

You spend a lot of time indoors. What exactly is it that you do?

A bit of physiotherapy, stretching, warming up and weight training. Then you break for a while before getting into the nets, followed by some more rest before I head for fielding practice. The idea is to spend exactly the same number of hours I would do during a Test match. During a Test I would wake up at seven, I am trying to do the same thing. Follow that routine and make sure that the energy levels are there. I am just getting my body used to the timing more than anything else.

A word about the coach, Duncan Fletcher, it's not been a great year for him as well. What does he bring to the table?

Duncan has been really good. Sometimes it happens (bad results) to the best of sides. I feel he's doing a fantastic job. It was a testing time for him and everyone when he came in. He dealt with it brilliantly, kept his calm and at the same time he kept trying to see how we could improve, what we could do better. He never lost his patience. It wasn't an easy period for anyone, for coach, player or the team to deal with the kind of season we had. But Duncan controlled everything quite nicely.

Congrats on becoming an MP. Does it feel any different?

It's an honour but I have not fought elections. Neither did I go chasing anyone to please make an MP. It's an honour and I accept it with full respect. But now my focus is obviously cricket. Parliament was a new experience and I am learning all the while.

My mind right now is on cricket to be honest. When the time comes I will start thinking in that direction but I should not forget the reason why all these things have happened in my life. All these things have happened because of cricket. It's an honour and privilege to play for India for such a long time. I am happy with anything that happens around cricket and I am happy about it (being made a Rajya Sabha MP) but cricket is in the foreground for sure. It is paramount.

Sachin Tendulkar gifts BMW car to Saina Nehwal

Badminton player Saina Nehwal on Sunday received a brand new BMW car for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics from none other than batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who said that the world is yet to see the best of the star shuttler.

The felicitation function was organised by Vice President of Andhra Badminton Association Chamundeshwari Nath, who honoured the city girl by buying her the luxurious car.

"I am sure that she (Saina) is happy but not satisfied. We are also not satisfied because we know that you can go to greater heights. You have that ability with Gopi's guidance. There are better days ahead and as a sportsperson, you always try to believe that your best is yet to come," the iconic Indian batsman said at the felicitation function.

While announcing a BMW car for Saina and a car each for her coach P Gopichand and budding talent PV Sindhu, Sachin said, "I am quite confident that your best is yet to come and you will emerge victorious across the world and that is what we want".

Heaping praises on Saina, Tendulkar said, "Whatever I have seen of her there is no drama involved, it's just quality badminton and that is what you expect from a sportsperson. After winning (bronze medal) also, she has not got carried away and that's the beauty of being a champion sport person".

Saina gave India its first-ever medal in badminton at Olympics when her Chinese opponent withdrew from the bronze medal play-off after injuring her knee.

"This medal means a lot for India, I am sure this medal has not come without dedication, hard work, focus and having a vision," Tendulkar said.

Congratulating all the medal winners, he said it was "terrific" for India at London. "You all deserve praise and good things that are coming your way," he added.

Responding to the accolade, Saina said she had waited for her Olympic moment since her childhood days.

"I dreamt of being a Olympic champion at the age of 9...It is unbelievable to have won the medal. I am so happy. I should thank Gopi sir for making it possible. He really worked hard with me for many years.

"Myself winning the first medal will really change a lot of things for badminton in India and I am sure we shall have lot more medals in future. I hope badminton becomes one of the most popular games, though may not be like cricket, in our country," Saina said.

VVS has looked after his God-given gifts well: Sachin

Sachin Tendulkar, who was Laxman's first Test captain, talks about vvs laxman

Sachin Tendulkar’s two captaincy stints for India are not laced with great success. But he’ll never forget VVS Laxman’s 167 at Sydney in the final innings of that ill-fated Test series which ended 3-0 in Australia’s favour.

He will also remember Laxman’s valuable half century on debut against an Allan Donald-led pace attack in Ahmedabad 1996 which in a way helped Tendulkar win his second Test as captain.

Laxman put a full stop to his international career with immediate effect on Saturday, probably leaving the selectors flushed with embarrassment since they already picked him in the squad for the August 23-27 opening Test against New Zealand in Hyderabad.

Laxman’s first Test captain to talk about the retiring hero and the grand manner in which he played the game.

When did you first hear about VVS Laxman?
I heard about him from Amol Muzumdar since they were teammates (at the junior level) before meeting him for the first time in 1996. We were in England when he accompanied Amol, who came to visit me during the tour.

What did you feel when you first saw him play?
I thought he was really fantastic. I remember when I was his captain on the 1996-97 tour of South Africa, he got hit and broke his finger in Johannesburg. He was crying in one corner of the dressing room. I went up to him and said, ‘don’t worry. This is just the beginning and you have a long way to go.’ Now, I am really happy with whatever he has been able to achieve and his contribution has been immense. He has inspired a lot of youngsters and he’s played some unbelievable knocks — very important ones. He has also been a terrific fielder in slips; really good catcher and yes, that has probably gone a bit unnoticed. He has been a terrific catcher, he’s got beautiful hands.

Your best VVS Laxman moment?
It has to be the 281 (against Australia at Kolkata in 2001) although he played some unbelievable knocks around that period. But 281 has to be on top of the list.

In Sydney (2000) when things were going so bad for you, he went out and scored 167 in the Test match. How did you feel as captain?
If we have to go into statistics of that series… we played three Tests and you would expect the top seven guys to contribute in 7x 6= 42 innings. In 42 innings, Sourav Ganguly scored a fifty, Laxman got a hundred and I got two fifties and a hundred. Other than that, not one scored runs. Out of 42 innings, if you are going to have only five to six 50 plus scores, you are bound to have a disastrous tour. Laxman really played well in Sydney, hit some terrific shots and that is why I requested the BCCI and the selection committee to keep him for the one-day triangular series.

A lot of people remember Dilip Vengsarkar’s three consecutive hundreds at Lord’s. But Laxman did the same at a famous venue too — the Sydney Cricket Ground with his hundreds in 2000, 2004 and 2008…
Absolutely awesome! It is an equally big achievement because those hundreds came against top opposition as well.

If God gave you a choice and offered you VVS Laxman’s skills, which one would you pick?
That ability to use his wrists so well while batting. Many a time… 99 per cent batters would play a ball to the covers and the same ball Laxman would end up playing an on-drive. And it’s not decided…it’s just God’s gift — his natural talent and ability to find gaps and use his wrists. I am sure he has not specially worked on it. It is a gift from God and he has looked after it pretty well.

Your view on his decision to quit?
It’s HIS decision. He knows his body and mental frame of mind. Only he can talk about his mental make-up. You can judge physical preparation; a physio can tell you what things are not right and whether one is in good shape, but if you have to judge from the mental side, he’s the only person who can answer you.

Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha add glamour to vice president poll

Newly nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and veteran actress Rekha, cast their votes on Tuesday to choose India's 14th vice president.

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood veteran Rekha made a grand entry Tuesday as they walked in to the polling room in Parliament House to cast their votes in the vice presidential election.

As the two, who were nominated to the Rajya Sabha in April this year, entered the room, shutterbugs went into a frenzy, clicking furiously to capture the moment.

Hamid Ansari is all set to be re-elected the country's 14th vice-president. He held the post 2007-2012.

The vice president is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are also entitled to take part in the election.