PTI

Greneda, Apr 12: Ruling out suggestions that Sachin Tendulkar is a spent force, West Indian legend Gordon Greenidge said on Wednesday it would be unfair to call for the Indian batsman's retirement.

Refusing to endorse former Australian skipper Ian Chappell's views that it was time Tendulkar called it quits, the dashing West Indian opener said both the Mumbai batsman and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly were still capable of playing international cricket.

“I do not think it is fair to call for his retirement or that of Sourav. Both are in their early 30s and it's no time for them to call it a day yet,” said Greenidge.

Greenidge, who rates Tendulkar among five of the best batsmen he has seen in his lifetime, said a wholesale replacement of senior cricketers is needed for the team.

“However talented you might be as a young cricketer, it takes time to find your bearing in international cricket. They should be gradually eased into the system,” he said.

Greenidge said he would be interested to coach the Indian team but he would approach the job with an open mind with the 2011 World Cup in vision.

He said if he were to take up the job, all stakeholders in Indian cricket must share his vision and focus on doing well in the next edition of the mega event.