Tendulkar and Dravid sign off in coloured clothes

New Delhi : The cricketing world Sunday for the last time saw two stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid pitted against each other in the final of the Champions League Twenty20 between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians at the Ferozeshah Kotla here Sunday.

For Dravid, who is leading Rajasthan Royals, it is the last international limited overs match while Tendulkar will now only be seen in Tests.

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The two former India captains snatched some time to chat for a while before the toss.

Dravid said it would be nice to play against Tendulkar for the final time.

“One final time is nice. It’s funny that we’ve played against each other more in coloured clothing. You must remember that Sachin is seven years senior to me as a cricketer,” Dravid noted.

Tendulkar also recalled the Test where he captained Dravid for the first time.

“I think I captained Rahul for the first time in whites, a Wills Trophy match in 1993 or 94. Any day in my team he would be the No.3,” he said.

Tendulkar paid rich tributes to Dravid. “He loved challenges, I knew we could bank on Rahul.”

Dravid said it has been a roller coaster ride for his team since his three teammates Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were arrested by Delhi Police on charges of spot-fixing.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride for Royals. I couldn’t have asked for anything more, a great journey,” he said.

Asked if his jersey number should be retired, Dravid said: “I’m ok giving away my jersey number. Dinesh Karthik is wearing mine, I think.”

Dravid said the Champions League Twenty20 is a great experience for the youngsters.

“Great tournament this is. For the youngsters this is a great experience,” he said.

Tendulkar also concurred with Dravid.

“All the players love this tournament. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many players, as people. It’s about sharing knowledge, that has happened in the last six years,” he said.