IPL 2020: Williamson would have loved to bat with Tendulkar

Dubai - Williamson rated Dale Steyn as the toughest bowler he has faced in his career.

Many in the Indian team were blessed with the opportunity to bat with Sachin Tendulkar, but for many others, transcending borders, it remains an unfulfilled dream. And one among them is Kane Williamson.
The New Zealand captain grew up watching the batting legend tear bowling attacks from all around the world, and said he would have loved to have had the chance to bat alongside the maestro.
"If I could bat with one retired player, it would be Sachin Tendulkar, a player that I always admired watching growing up," Williamson said during a Q&A session with fans on the Sunrisers Hyderabad official twitter handle.
But he rued the fact that it will never happen as Tendulkar called time on his illustrious career. Unless, of course, the batting icon grants his wish.
"So, it would be amazing. To have that experience which won't happen, unfortunately," the Kiwi added.
Williamson also revealed his love for India as a cricketing destination and as a country, saying the experience of playing in India was "incredibly special."
"I think the experience you get when playing in India, especially against India, is something incredibly special. And that would be the destination I would choose," the 30-year-old said.
Williamson, who is known for his down-to-earth nature and his sportsmanship, also said that he would have liked to have attended a masterclass with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
"If I could attend a masterclass with a player it would be Ricky Ponting," said Williamson.
Williamson, who has featured in 80 Tests, 151 ODIs and 60 T20Is, revealed that the toughest bowler he has faced in his career so far was South African quick Dale Steyn.
"It is hard to tell," Williamson said about the quickest bowler he has come up against.
"There's a lot of quick bowlers around but I do remember a number of years ago, facing Dale Steyn and he broke my box so that was a memorable experience," he chuckled.
Asked about the advice he would give himself from 10 years ago, he said: "Ten years ago, I was starting out in international cricket and I suppose I would say be patient but driven."
Williamson also said that he didn't have any specific preference on which team Sunrisers Hyderabad would like to meet, if they reach the IPL final, but hoped that his team can go all the way.
"I have absolutely no idea but our focus will be to get to that point and hopefully go all the way," said Williamson, who led the team to a runners-up finish in 2018.
Williamson also won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs - 735 in 17 matches - that season.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, captained by Australian David Warner, will begin their campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on September 21.
james@khaleejtimes.com

• IPL 2019