For Sachin Tendulkar, staying at the pinnacle was harder than reaching it.
The batting icon, who retired from the game in November 2013 after a glorious 24-year career during which he obliterated almost all records, claimed one of the challenges of his career was being among the best cricketers of his era.
"In my career there were a number of challenges. Once you are among the best, the fight was about being right at the top. And (for) someone to be right at the top, I have always had to be the one to work the hardest. I always believed that my bat should do all the talking," he said, at the launch of the BMW i8 car in Mumbai on Wednesday.
BMW i8 is regarded as the most progressive sports cars of its time and the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the sub-brand BMW i. It features a completely new, exciting sports car design that includes comprehensive, sophisticated aerodynamics features and environment-friendly
materials.
Tendulkar said the advent of T20 cricket has changed the complexion of the cricket.
"I always thought Test cricket and One-day cricket were the only formats. Twenty years ago, nobody dreamt of T20 cricket and in the last 5-7 years, since the introduction of T20 cricket, the game has changed. I find similarity between BMW (and T20), who have been market leaders for innovation and new ideas," he said.
After being part of a record six editions, Tendulkar is all set to witness his first World Cup match from the stands when defending champions India take on South Africa on February 22 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.