The first time India toured South Africa was in 1992 and Sachin Tendulkar was also a part of that Indian team. He is a man who is equipped enough to give his insight on the South African team or any team for that matter nbvc. While India might have lost the tour, the then young Sachin learned a lot about his team’s new nemesis.

The Master Blaster gave his insights on the Proteas, stating that the team always had great players in their team that gave them balance. However, he also suggested that the current batch doesn’t have an all-rounder like Jacques Kallis or Brian McMillan.

The legendary Indian batsman was also highly praiseful of Jonty Rhodes, who set the standard of how fielding should be done on the international circuit.

“The thing with South Africa is that they've always enjoyed an amazing balance,” said Sachin Tendulkar in an exclusive to Times of India.

“The allrounders provide an air of authority. And by allrounders, I just don't mean guys who could bat and bowl.

“To me, Jonty Rhodes is the most amazing guy I've ever seen on a cricket field when it came to fielding. I've seen many good fielders over the years. Ponting, Gibbs, they were all exceptional. But Jonty was something different.”

The former Mumbai Indians captain then stated that the Proteas were lucky to have two of best all-rounders in the game, but don’t have that “luxury” anymore.

“Likewise, when I speak of allrounders, look at the transition that happened from Brian McMillan to Jacques Kallis.

“A batsman used to be their fourth fast bowler (Kallis) or they had a bowler who could bat at No. 6 (McMillan). These were elements to a side that just changed the entire outlook when they took field. They had set very high standards.

“Today, South Africa don't have that luxury.”

The former Indian captain then suggested that while the South African team are now a very strong unit, they just don't have that edge that they once did with some of the best all-rounders in the game, who could actually play the role of two players simultaneously.

“I'm not saying they're not a good team. They've been among the best at home and away over a sustained period of time. But they don't enjoy the luxury they did when the likes of McMillan and Kallis were around.

“I'm talking about a time when a batsman in the team could be that extra bowler or that bowler in the team could be counted upon to score the runs. And not just any batsman who could ball but one of the best allrounders ever (Kallis).”