Last Updated:
Sachin Tendulkar, arguably the greatest cricketer, turns 52 today. He holds records for most international runs (34,357) and centuries (100). He retired in 2013.
Sachin Tendulkar was conferred with the title God of batsmanship by West Indies’ legendary Sir Vivian Richards. (Image: sachintendulkar/Instagram)
Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar: Arguably the greatest player in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his birthday today on Thursday (April 24). The legendary batter, whose excellence on the field reverberated all over the world and inspired a generation of cricketers, turns 52.
Among the most well-respected sportspersons, Tendulkar is remembered fondly for his genius with the bat in Tests and One-Day Internationals for India. The Master Blaster championed the game of cricket across conditions and oppositions, shattering all the records.
Tendulkar even captained the Indian men’s cricket team briefly and remained a pillar of great strength and inspiration for his senior teammates and the youngsters he played with during his illustrious 24-year-long international career.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Early life
Notorious for his mischiefs as a kid, Tendulkar was encouraged to get organised cricket training by his elder brother and guide Ajit, who took him to maestro’s cricketing guru Ramakant Achrekar. Achrekar shaped Tendulkar’s early education with the bat, drilling in the basics of the game, and great discipline as well as solidifying his unparalleled technique.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Cricket Career
Tendulkar’s cricketing journey began when he made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the 1988-89 Ranji Trophy season. Playing against West Zone rivals Gujarat, Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 100 and became the youngest Indian to achieve the feat in first-class cricket aged 15.
Tendulkar made his international debut at the tender age of 16 in the following year against Pakistan, facing the might of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in their absolute prime on his Test debut in Karachi. Tendulkar struggled in his opening game but then produced a fighting half-century in the very next Test to gain the confidence the youngster needed.
Nobody would’ve imagined then that this baby-faced right-hand batter from Mumbai would go on to achieve the most extraordinary feats on the field.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Record
- Tendulkar holds number of records at the highest level, including the most runs in international cricket (34,357) and most international centuries (100).
- He is the player with the most Player of the Match awards in ODI cricket (62).
- Tendulkar also holds the record for most Test matches played (200) and most Test runs (15,921) as well as most Test centuries (51).
- Before his legacy successor Virat Kohli clinched the record for the most number of ODI centuries, Tendulkar held the feat for the longest time with 49 hundreds in the format.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Retirement
Tendulkar retired from international cricket with his final Test match appearance for India in November 2013, taking the field for the one last time at the highest level in an emotional game against the West Indies.
The match was received by cricket lovers from all over the world with great love and sadness as their favourite cricketer bid farewell to the sport.
Tendulkar, who arrived to bat with a guard of honour given by the Caribbean men, produced a vintage knock of 74 in his last innings, helping India win the Test by an innings & 126 runs.
Following the game, the Little Master took a lap of honour and gave a memorable speech which brought tears to the eyes of the jampacked Wankhede crowd.
Why Viv Richards Called him The ’God’ Of Batting
For his dominant streak, Sachin Tendulkar was conferred with the title God of batsmanship by West Indies’ legendary Sir Vivian Richards. Richards hailed Tendulkar for his unbelievable skill and impact value on the Indian cricket team and the global game.
Ahead of the 2011 World Cup, Richards said Tendulkar is not just a great player but a legend of the sport, who has inspired a generation of cricketers.
‘I think he’s God where batsmanship is concerned,’ Richards said. ‘What Sachin did in my opinion…he created a foundation where batsmanship is concerned for the rest of the Indian team…my sentiments go out to India winning this cup because I believe this is going to be Sachin’s last chance.’
