At fag end of career,Warne faces Sachin again

Over the last few weeks,Warne has criticised the wickets dished out at his IPL home-ground in Jaipur,the people responsible for it,and even the RCA. And it is certain that while most of the players who he mentored and made stars out of during his four-year stint at the helm of the Royals will remember him fondly; the RCA officials will not be humming ‘Wish you were here’ in Warne’s tribute as a result.

On Friday at the Wankhede Stadium,however,one of cricket’s greatest characters will come face to face for one final time against his long-time nemesis,and more importantly the man who ensured that the Indian public could never see the best of Warne. And while Sachin Tendulkar’s focus will be primarily on ensuring that Mumbai beat Rajasthan to ascertain their place in the playoffs,it will be the final chapter in his much-celebrated rivalry with Warne that is expected to take centre-stage.

It was dominated initially by his much-publicised dislike for Indian food and demand for baked beans and spaghetti. But Warne’s first tour to India will always be remembered for the hammering he took at Tendulkar’s hands — after getting him out cheaply in their first encounter. In his final headline act on a big stage,however,Warne will be intent on going out with a bang. And what better way than to get rid of Tendulkar.