Club cricket, like the Indian Premier League, will never take the place of cricket played at the national level, but make no mistake, "it is a brilliant platform", says the world's most prolific batsmen in answer to an NDTV.com surfer, O Pandey's question to him.

Mr Pandey had asked if Sachin thought club cricket was overshadowing national cricket these days. Sachin, said at a NDTV Coca Cola Support My School Campaign event, "Club cricket can never take country cricket's place but it's a brilliant platform. Cricket is the only sport which has three formats - T20 cricket gives the opportunity to new players to showcase their talent. More importantly, it gives a chance to first class players who may have worked hard for years but never made it to the national team. It helps them earn money which is important because they sacrificed many of their years to fulfill their dreams to play for India.

Another surfer Ankita Mali asked Sachin how he planned to keep pressure off his 12-year-old son Arjun, a budding cricketer, especially now that he had already scored his maiden hundred. Sachin answered, "I am happy, I am glad that he is beginning to enjoy the sport.

Speaking about the campaign, Sachin said: "It is a very important campaign. I have two children and I understand the importance of good education and a good school. I have done this thinking of Sarah (his daughter)." When asked about the changes he has seen through the changes, the master batsman said: "We have reached a hundred schools which is my best century away from the cricket field. If you provide good facilities, children will automatically want to come to the school. I want to take this initiative further."

He also advised the children to enjoy their school days. "You have to enjoy your school life. Most wonderful things happen during school days. Have fun, study hard and make good friends. It important to make friends in school because they are your true friends. Also give your best in your studies," he said.

Some of the NDTV surfers asked him if the series against England will be a series of revenge since India had faced a crushing defeat last year. "There is no question of revenge in cricket. It is about playing for your country and playing the best that you can," Sachin answered.