Mumbai: Few cricketers have left a mark as profound as Sachin Tendulkar. His influence transcends generations, inspiring cricketers worldwide. Among those who have shared the dressing room with him is West Indies’ explosive opener, Dwayne Smith, who fondly recalls his time alongside the “Little Master” at the Mumbai Indians. In an exclusive conversation, Smith speaks about what makes Tendulkar special, the valuable lessons he learned from him, and what it felt like playing with and against one of cricket’s greatest icons.
Smith also reflects on his journey in the ongoing International Masters League, the thrill of playing alongside familiar faces, and the joy of rekindling old partnerships. As he gears up to face India Masters, led by Tendulkar himself, Smith shares an amusing anecdote from their time in the IPL—one that highlights Tendulkar’s wit and cricketing genius.
Beyond the league, Smith looks ahead to future tournaments and expresses his desire to see the game grow globally. From reminiscing about legendary moments to reliving the magic of the sport, this conversation is a must-read for cricket fans eager to witness their favorite stars turn back the clock.
What makes Sachin Tendulkar, according to you Dwayne, so special? I mean, he’s a class apart. He’s a legend in his own right. Personally. What sort of inspiration have you taken from a legend like him?
When I was at Mumbai, I always used to try and stick around him and like, because when I was opening with him I always wanted to know the person that I’m playing with and whom I going out there with. So I always just stick with him and ask him some questions and stuff. And he’s been very accommodating. He’s been very, very, very good with, with the guys around as well too. So he’s always sharing his knowledge and you could see why he was so great because of how he used to prepare for his cricket.
Talk us about your experience so far in the tournament. There have been quite a lot of your friends playing with you and against you. What’s it been like?
It’s been very good so far. We got started the tournament with two wins, so two from two is very good. I’m sure the guys are upbeat. We have our skipper joining us back again for this game, so should be some exciting cricket going on forward.
You’ve played a lot of matches with that prince in your team. What’s it like reliving those days once again and how special it’s been playing with him and under his leadership.
It’s special after seeing him, actually as a young guy, watching him break the record for the first time and then actually being in the team and it happening on my birthday. For him, scoring the 400 was a dream come true, you know, and to actually bat with him, like, I’ve had some very good partnerships with him as well, so I enjoyed batting with him and it’s like, it’s a lot of ease up there when he’s out there.
What’s Dwayne Smith up to these days? What’s next after the International Masters League?
I’m hoping to have some other more leagues, but it’s been very good. I think this International Masters League is expanding. So for me, I would love to go in other countries like South Africa, Australia. You know, there’s one in England now definitely trying to get one in the West Indies and we hope that someone can come on board and back it but I’m sure that that will be a good thing too.
You’ve also been playing alongside and against a lot of your other teammates here. Among the teams, there’s also a certain India Masters, which has the God of cricket, Sachin Tendukar. You’re going to be playing against him in a few days from now. Talk us about your playing days with him and. And what’s it like playing against him?
Playing with him is very easy as well. I could remember the first year of IPL batting with him and he was telling me to keep hitting the ball straight and play and don’t go cutting or pulling across the line. And he was doing the opposite. And then he came down and just smirked at me and said, do as I say, not as I do, you know, and it’s something that stick in my mind from then. And when I came back to Mumbai and I was opening the batting with him, it was like one of the dreams that you would always want to be out there with one of the greats of cricket, you know, and to walk up behind him was something special because I always had to walk behind him because that’s the great man. And walking up behind him, I don’t know who’s cheering for me. So after he’s going out and they’re cheering so much, I know that they could be cheering for me as well too, but it is great to play against these guys and also to play with them.
Finally a message to all your fans who want to see you turn back the clock in the next match.
Yeah, just come out and support and I’m going to go out there and try to do the best I can and entertain the guys.
