Tendulkar knows when to call it a day: Gilchrist

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On a day Sachin Tendulkar answered his detractors by smashing a 136-ball 137 in a Ranji Trophy match in Mumbai Friday, Australian legend Adam Gilchrist lent his voice to the chorus singing maestro's paens.

There has been a raging debate on whether it's time for Tendulkar to call it a day considering his poor run of form and the manner in which he had been getting clean bowled playing the wrong line.

The former Australian vice-captain said it should be left to the "little god" to decide the time of his retirement.

"The focus will be on Sachin Tendulkar during the series against England and Australia," he said.

"If he thinks he warrants a place in the team, he will carry on. Otherwise, he won't do anything that will have a negative impact on the team. He is aware of what all is happening around him. He has been a great servant of cricket and has earned the right to decide when to quit," Gilchrist told reporters here.

"I'd be frightened of doubting the little god. He is a great player and he knows when to quit."

Gilchrist said Tendulkar's decision to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy showed how keen the Indian batsman was to get back into form.

"He is featuring in a Ranji match today and that tells you about his intent. Clearly, he is gearing up for the series against England. He knows how big the series is."

The keeper-batsman though refused to pick a winner in the Test series between India and England, starting Nov 15.

"It's going to be a great series. The last time India played England, they lost all the four Tests but that is unfathomable this time," Gilchrist said.

"Most nations coming to the subcontinent frequently know what difficulties they are going face. They prepare themselves accordingly. I've not picked a winner just yet, but sure it's going to a very evenly-poised series," he said.