MUMBAI, Nov. 12: Sachin Tendulkar has cemented his greatness with truckload of runs but what former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar admires most about the batting great is his humility, manners and the unabashed love for the game that he has maintained for nearly two decades.

"What I admire about Sachin is his humility, respect for elders and the passion for the game that he has retained even after so many years and after achieving so much in cricket. He has not changed at all," Vengsarkar said in praise of the master batsman who made his international debut on November 15, 1989.

The former chief selector said that he had his first look at Tendulkar’s precocious talent during the 1988-89 series against New Zealand when he invited the Sachin to the Indian team’s net session here.

Meanwhile, former players Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath were felicitated for their contribution to Indian cricket at an event in Mumbai on Thursday as both turned 60 this year.

— PTI