Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar thinks South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir will be one of the bowlers to keep an eye on during the upcoming tour between the two sides.

South Africa’s T20 squad has already arrived in India for the three-match series which starts on Friday in Dharamsala. Tahir has been included the squads for all three formats, making his long awaited return to Test cricket after establishing himself as one of the best spinners in the world.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Tendulkar said India’s batsmen would have to handle him well, and he was ‘looking forward’ to the contest between two balanced teams, reports ESPNCricinfo.

‘AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla are strong players, and don’t forget Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel,’ Tendulkar said. ‘Then when you talk about the googly, Imran Tahir is one of the good bowlers. We have to play against him properly. Possibly he can be one of the leading bowlers.’

Tendulkar said he knew the Indian players would be fully committed to giving their best and that, coupled with South Africa’s consistent fine performances, made the Test series an exciting prospect.

‘I think the Indian team is fantastic. They are extremely talented and committed. A lot of things are said about the players but I know them very closely, and when it comes to cricket there are no shortcuts. The guys are committed.

‘It will be an exciting series. The Test series is something I am looking forward to. Great team balance, both sides of the fence. The visiting South African team is a quality side, I never played against a South Africa side which I can say is just an okay side. They are always a strong side and it is no different right now.’