Tendulkar gives BMW M5 thumbs up

Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen that cricket has ever seen, but did you know the Indian cricket 'deity' is a car enthusiast too?

The 'Little Master' (or 'God' as some sub-continentals call him) is adored by billions of cricket fans across the globe. During his trip to Australia for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, he paid BMW Melbourne a visit for a special audience with VIP customers. And motoring.com.au was there.

Waxing lyrical about everything from his most feared bowler to his favourite pastime – driving – the sporting legend is BMW's number one ambassador in India.

When asked Tendulkar about his favourite car, he took a moment to think...

"When I was 19 years old, I did not have deep pockets. But something which meant a lot to me was a car, I was so passionate about them. I wanted to have a supercar!" he laughed.

"Now I'm in a position – my pockets are slightly deeper – to buy the car I want."

And that he does, with a garage comprised mainly of (you guessed it) BMWs. But despite his prowess on the pitch he's not a huge fan of taking his cars on racetracks.

"I don't want to damage them!" he protested.

One of his first cars was a 3 Series, then he bought an X5 as a family car and in more recent years has been cruising around in a personalised 760Li. The Bavarian limo features extensive customisation, including his own logo embossed on the seats.

A man short of stature at just 165cm but big on talent, Tendulkar played his first international test match in 1989 at the age 16. It was against archrival Pakistan.

Forging a career spanning almost a quarter of a century, he retired in late 2013. Tendulkar revealed his most challenging opponent was late South African, Hansie Cronje.

Since retirement Tendulkar has taken an even keener interest in BMWs. So his all-time favourite car?

The BMW M5 Jahre 30 – aka the 30th anniversary M5 with more herbs than ever – 600hp, or 441kW to be precise.

"I've been fortunate to drive the fastest BMW ever made, the BMW M5 with 600hp, and that's really special. My wife continues to believe it's a family car – but that's a good thing!" he teased.

"And just like the ideal batsman, a good sports car has balance, power, and a low centre of gravity," quipped Tendulkar, thoroughly toeing the ambassadorial line...