God help bowlers at World Cup, says 'God of cricket' Sachin Tendulkar

Dubai, Feb 11: Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar today said bowlers might find it difficult to contain batsmen during ICC World Cup 2015 with the new fielding rules. The bowlers might need divine help, feels Tendulkar.

List of broadcasters" title="Tournament Guide; List of broadcasters" />Tournament Guide; List of broadcasters

This year's World Cup will be the first to be played under new ODI fielding restrictions. Only 4 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard ring, which gives advantage to the batsmen. And Tendulkar, who retired from ODIs in 2012, has not played under these rules. (List of commentators)

Tendulkar, the highest run scorer in ODI history and also in World Cups, said only God can help the bowlers with these new rules if two batsmen get going in Australia and New Zealand at this year's major tournament.

"This edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 introduces the new rule of five fielders in the 30-yard circle, something that I have never experienced during my career," Tendulkar wrote on International Cricket Council's (ICC) website on Wednesday. (Sachin's 'strong' warning to batsmen)

"For players struggling with form, the additional fielder in the circle will pose a challenge as rotating the strike will be tougher.

"But at the same time, as a batsman let me say that if we have two in-form batsmen at the crease... then, God help the bowlers!," Tendulkar, who played in a joint record (with Javed Miandad) 6 World Cups, said.

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