Former Indian batsman, Sachin Tendulkar has voiced his opinion on the induction of youngsters into the national team saying that age should not be a barrier or a criterion if the given player is good enough to play international cricket.

20-year-old Sam Curran starred in England’s victory in the Edgbaston Test against India, and Tendulkar praised England’s decision to inject the youthful exuberance of these players into the team. Ollie Pope, another 20-year-old has been called up for the second Test match at Lords, and Tendulkar has expressed his views on this topic.

He reportedly said, “If somebody is good, he should play for the country and age shouldn’t be the criteria.”

Speaking from his own personal experience, Tendulkar said, “When I played my first game, I was only 16. In a way, it only helped. I didn’t know what it was like to face Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir. Possibly, the best bowling attack at the stage.”

Young players tend to play dynamically, thereby infusing an infectious energy in the team. Tendulkar further elaborated, “You only see one side of the coin as you are young and fearless but with experience and maturity, you start seeing the other side as well to balance things out.

“That is the age when you don’t see anything and just want to do well. There are going to be tough moments but that’s what you play for.”

Tendulkar’s opinions certainly insight that there should be further integration from the youth teams towards the senior sides.