Sachin Tendulkar has credited the IPL for helping develop India’s bench strength, saying the current lot has benefited by constantly playing against world-class performers in the lucrative league.

Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, who play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, have produced stunning knocks against England in the ongoing T20I series and Tendulkar attributed their success to the league.

“Yeah, both Surya and Ishan are ready to play, because you know, I have always felt that IPL’s introduction has helped players,” Tendulkar, who is captaining the India Legends in the ongoing Road Safety World Series, said.

“Because earlier when we played I hadn’t played against a Wasim (Akram)… when we played in Australia, I hadn’t played a (Sharne) Warne or (Craig) McDermott or Merv Hughes. We had to figure out what has happened.

“Yesterday I was watching the game, and Surya was batting and (Jofra) Archer bowled to him and Ben Stokes and the commentator said that it is nothing new for Surya because he has already played against Rajasthan Royals,” he said.

“Both Archer and Stokes play for Rajasthan Royals, so it is nothing different and he (Surya) knows what they do and he has played against them already. So, it wasn’t the first time.

“That’s the only reason I am saying that both these guys are ready to play for India and that just shows the bench strength of our team, it is really strong. So that’s the beauty of our cricket now, that there are a number of players, who are ready to go out.”