18,426 One Day International runs. 15,921 Test runs. A 100 international centuries. You already know who are we talking about. Yes, these other-worldly figures belong to none other than the legendary Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Hailed as the greatest batsman to have ever played the sport after the legendary Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar is, without doubt, the most prolific run-maker of all time.
The curly-haired sensation born in Mumbai was blessed with the most inch-perfect techniques you would like to possess as a batsman. With copy-book cricketing shots that defined class, Tendulkar was the most complete batsman to have ever walked the 22 yards.
The world got a taste of his greatness pretty early when a 16-year-old dared to take the crease against a bowling line-up comprising the might of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan. He was busted open by a Waqar Younis delivery but his divine enthusiasm for the game saw him continue to bat with a blood-soaked shirt. He brought up his first century at the age of 17 at Old Trafford against England and the rest as we say, is history.
Today on April 24th, the Little Master turns 45. We take the moment to take a look at some mind-blowing facts about the ‘God of cricket’:
1. Sachin once batted with tissues in his underwear
Sachin Tendulkar came onto bat with tissues in his underwear when India took on Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup, 2003. He had to take the step due to an upset stomach but went to score 97 in that match.
2. Sachin played a match for Pakistan before his debut for India
Before making his debut for India in 1989 against arch-rivals Pakistan, Tendulkar’s very first international exposure came as a member of the Pakistan team! Shocked? Yes, during an exhibition match between the two nations on January 20, 1987, Tendulkar was sent as a substitute fielder for Imran Khan’s team.
3. Shahid Afridi scored his fastest century with Sachin’s bat
We are all familiar with Shahid Afridi’s trailblazing century against the Sri Lankans which came of just 37 balls on 4th October 1996. Afridi was just 16 years of age at that time and went onto the pitch using teammate Saqlain Mushtaq’s kit. However, the bat which he used was given to him by Waqar Younis during the net practice which the bowling legend got from Sachin Tendulkar.
4. Sachin Tendulkar had a role to play in Kumble’s epic 10 wicket haul in an innings
Sachin Tendulkar played an important Test in helping Anil Kumble take 10 wickets in an innings in the Kotla Test against Pakistan. Whenever Sachin handed Kumble’s sweater and cap to the umpire at the start of an over, Kumble took a wicket. Tendulkar continued to do so till Kumble picked up all 10.
5. Sachin Tendulkar is the first batsman to be given out by the third umpire
Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman given out by the third umpire in international cricket. the incident took place during the 1992 Test series in South Africa. The umpire was Karl Liebenberg.
6. Sachin-Ganguly relationship
Sachin gave a nickname ‘Babu Moshai’ to his friend Sourav Ganguly while Ganguly calls him ‘Chhota Babu’.
7. Tendulkar’s first car
The Master Blaster’s first car was a Maruti-800.
Needless to say, players will come and players will go, but there won’t be another Sachin Tendulkar.