Only Sehwag can surpass Sachin's 200: Bopara

New Delhi, Tue, Mar 09 2010 (PTI) - Sachin Tendulkar's historic ODI double hundred is a feat that only Virender Sehwag can match or surpass among the current crop of batsmen, feels Ravi Bopara, who doesn't foresee it happening anywhere outside India.

Bopara, who plays for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, feels Tendulkar has nothing more to achieve in his illustrious career after becoming the first batsman in the history of cricket to notch up an ODI double ton.

"Sachin, by scoring the double century, has completed himself and achieved everything. As a batsman he is complete."

"He has all what a batsman wants from the three formats of the game. He has got so many 100s and 50s in Test and ODI cricket. He is a great, great player," Bopara told PTI.

"To be very frank, you don't expect anyone to score a double hundred in ODI game. It's historic and unbelievable. To maintain that rate of acceleration and to bat that long is difficult," said Bopara.

The right-hander, who was bought for USD 450,000 at the 2009 auction, said Tendulkar's opening partner Sehwag is the only batsman with a realistic chance of breaking the record, given the aggressive way he scores.

"Sehwag is promisingly the number one candidate. The way he scores definitely makes him the possible contender. He has got the chance. He comes as a opener and plays aggressively," Bopara said.

He also feels that if the record is ever broken, it would be in India.

"I imagine that would be in India. I think the wickets suit such kind of batting and batsmen can go for it. You can be aggressive in your style. Sometimes, you can see people scoring 50 runs in just six overs. I think it will happen here only but when, don't know. Probably 10 years from now," he said.

The 24-year-old batsman, who had delayed his arrival in India after going through security advisor Reg Dickason's report, said he never had any problems in playing in IPL and he was actually misquoted by a section of the media.

"I did not have concerns regarding coming to India for IPL in the first place. I was actually misquoted. Security around the team, stadium, and hotel is really good with police personnel and metal detectors."

"Even I did not make any contact with the franchise or anybody regarding security while I was in England. I don't feel any danger at all here," Bopara said.

The Essex player was practicing hard under the watchful eyes of coaches and support staff to get his act together before the first match on March 13 against Delhi Daredevils.

"All I am going to do is play my natural game. I am not going to change my playing style. My job from opening is to go out and put some runs on the board. Get the good start, follow that start and then push on for the final assault."

"Obviously fans are expecting some good show by the team. They have paid good money to come on to the ground and I promise to entertain them as much as possible. We all training hard and working on off days. We want to win this event."

Bopara said Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders would be among those doing well at the IPL this year as they have a good mix of foreign and Indian players.

"Both of them have got some superstars in their team. They would present some tough challenge for others. Delhi Daredevils is also a good side as they have some dangerous cricketers and consists of good batting and bowling line-up. Our aim is to make sure we win this competition," he said.