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Monty wants to invite Gandhi, Sachin and Michael Jackson for dinner

London, Aug 15 (UNI) If Monty Panesar had his way, Mahatma Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Jackson and Madonna would all end up under the same roof for a dinner with the left-arm spinner, who says Bishan Singh Bedi bowling at his best is the only other sporting event he will pay to watch apart from England's 1966 soccer World Cup triumph.

''Mahatma Gandhi -- I just loved the way he took on the British Empire and got them to leave without one bullet being used. I'd like to meet Michael Jackson, just because he is one of the most profiled celebrities in the world,'' Monty said when asked to explain the reasons for his choice of people for a dinner.

''I'd add Madonna to the dinner because she is the queen of music, and I'd ask her if she has changed her image just to stay with the times and survive. Lastly, Sachin Tendulkar, but I wouldn't upset him by talking about getting him out in India,'' he said in an interview to 'Daily Telegraph'.

The left-armer, who is being hailed as the best in the world by coach Duncan Fletcher, feels that Rahul Dravid is the toughest batsman to bowl at and his rock-solid defence is capable of frustrating any bowler in the world.

''I have found Rahul Dravid difficult to bowl at -- his defence against the stock ball is so good. In the recent series Pakistan's Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf,'' he said adding that these batsmen are gifted players of any type of bowling.

A soccer fan, who loves to support Luton's local team, also has a soft corner for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal as he finds the London team entertaining to watch.

''I support Luton but also Arsenal because they are an entertaining team,'' he said adding that, ''I like snooker, too.'' The left-armer, who has played Rugby, badminton and tennis as well, said he was good at cross-country, swimming and table tennis but as said earlier it was in his destiny to be a spinner.

Sachin Tendulkar's wicket in his debut match, remains Monty's most memorable sporting moment so far.

''Taking Sachin Tendulkar's wicket in India is my most memorable career moment. He has always been a hero of mine and it meant so much,'' he said.

Apart from the master blaster, Monty says former England spinner Phil Tufnell and Aussie opener Matthew Hayden are also his sporting heroes.

''Phil Tufnell, Sachin Tendulkar, Matthew Hayden are my heroes in cricket. Outside cricket, I looked up to Jimmy White, Pete Sampras and Bruce Lee. I do a bit of taekwondo myself,'' he said.

UNI XC PM DH BS1417

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