Sachin Tendulkar is the best I have seen: Sanath Jayasurya

Former Sri Lankan explosive batsman Sanath Jayasurya said Saturday that Sachin Tendulkar is the best player he has seen.

"Everyone knows what Sachin has done for cricket and for India. He is one player who is dedicated, committed and played with passion. I had played along with him for three years in Mumbai Indians and found him to be a very simple man and easy to approach," Jayasurya said.

The former Sri Lanka captain is here as the chief guest of a cricket tournament organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club.

Commenting on Twenty20 cricket, Jayasurya said that the format has its own pluses and minuses.

"The good thing is that natural cricketers will grow fast while some others can find it difficult," said the 44-year-old.

The left handed batsman denied media reports suggesting there are ego clashes between the present crop of senior players in the appointment of former batsman Marvan Atapattu as the coach of the Sri Lanka side.

"This same issue was raised when I was appointed as chairman of selectors a few years back because there were several players with whom I played. There are no ego clashes in our team and it's not an issue if the coach should be a foreign one or from the country. The main thing is that there should be a proper coach," added Jayasurya, who is currently a deputy minister in Sri Lanka.

The former all-rounder also wished that when it comes to cricket, there should be a line drawn when it comes to on-field activity and discipline.

"Yes, the present Australian cricket team is a determined lot after suffering defeats in the previous Ashes and hence they are aggressive. The line should not be breached as far as discipline on the field is concerned," said Jayasurya.

On his new role as a politician, he said he is enjoying every bit of it and is coming to terms with the job.

"I am enjoying the job of working for my people as it's going to be three years now, I am getting used to it. I am helping my people and doing my best to see my area is developing," said Jayasurya.