When Sachin Tendulkar’s helpful gesture left the bowler scratching his head

Allan Donald and Sachin Tendulkar (X Photo)

In 1996, the Indian cricket team toured South Africa. Dodda Ganesh, a member of the team, faced challenges with English language comprehension. Sachin Tendulkar recounted an experience during the tour, stating, “Kuch fikar nahi karna, aur darna nahi, just go on the front foot.”
Tendulkar mentioned Ganesh had a habit of smiling regardless of the conversation and often called him ‘sir,’ despite Tendulkar’s request otherwise.
Tendulkar provided Ganesh with advice about facing the bowler Allan Donald. He said, “Dodda, first four balls will be outswingers. Then, maybe the next two balls—one bouncer and one length ball. Donald bowled a couple of deliveries, and then said ‘I’m going to hit you there’ or something like that.”
After the over, Tendulkar and his teammates gathered. Tendulkar approached Donald and said, “Please tell me what you want to say to him, and I’ll try to convey it if possible. I can’t guarantee that he’ll understand, but I’ll make an effort—he doesn’t understand English.”
Donald, then puzzled, scratched his head and walked away.
Former cricketers Donald and Dodda reconnected after nearly two decades during an IPL camp. The meeting occurred when Donald, who was a part of the RCB support staff, encountered Dodda. Dodda shared this moment on his X handle, stating, “Finally, we both did have a conversation after 20 years. It was a great feeling chatting with the ‘White lightening’ Allan Donald.”

Dooda Ganesh played his only One Day International (ODI) match against Zimbabwe in the 1996-97 season. In that game, he took one wicket and gave away 20 runs in five overs.
He also participated in four Test matches, which were held in South Africa and the West Indies. Over these matches, he managed to take five wickets. His average for the wickets was 57.40.