KOLKATA: Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday said the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in India last year was far more
vibrant than the IPL II which was held in South Africa in April-May.
The Mumbai Indians captain, who featured in both editions of the Twenty20 extravaganza, said, "The first year was definitely better. When you play in India, it's a different ball game altogether. (But) the reception we got each time (in South Africa) was terrific."
The cricket icon, here for a promotional event, was, however, all praise for South Africa for hosting the tournament grandly in such a short notice.
"They got very little time - three and half weeks - to put everything together to organise such a great tournament. They have done a terrific job. But if you give me a choice, then obviously it's going to be India. The response was much bigger and better (in IPL I)," the 36-year-old said.
The batting great, who has opted out of the ICC World Twenty20 in England, said India would successfully defend the title.
We have an explosive batting line-up, backed by a good bowling attack. On the whole, our team is quite nicely balanced. I don't see any reason why we cannot live up to the expectation," Tendulkar said.
He, however, said cricket is a game of uncertainties and so anything can happen on any given day.
"Obviously, in cricket no one can guarantee what's going to happen. The game is full of uncertainties, but going by our strength and the balance in the team, we stand a very good chance. I have confidence in our team."
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