Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Sachin Tendulkar's Proudest Moment,

Sachin Tendulkar said 2011 World Cup triumph was the proudest moment of his life as India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to capture the "ultimate" prize. "I couldn't have asked for more," said Tendulkar".

"Winning the World Cup is the ultimate thing. It is the proudest moment of my life. It shows it is never too late.
I thank my teammates who were fabulous. I could not really hold back my tears. These are happy tears so I don't mind crying."

Virat Kohli said the victory was a fitting tribute to Tendulkar. "This goes out to all the people of India. Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It was time we carried him."

Gautam Gambhir, who played a key role with the bat in making 97 off 122 balls, said the win was a gift to his great teammate Sachin Tendulkar from the entire squad. "All credit for this win should go to Tendulkar. We were all playing for him, this trophy is for him."

Little Tendulkar, on his part, thanked each of his team-mates and the support staff including polar explorer Mike Horn. I would like to thank the support staff especially Mike Horn who joined us at the start of the tournament and was there for our last couple of games" He worked on the mental side and has helped us deal with the expectations and pressure.

The team stuck together in the rough phases and proved people wrong who doubted our ability. Self-belief has been always there but in the last two years, we have been very consistent.

"It's been great honour to be part of this team. Thanks to (coach) Gary (Kirsten) and Paddy Upton (mental conditioning expert)."

Misc.

Tendulkar’s Dream
Young Sachin had aspired of being a fast bowler. It was this dream that made him undertake trials at Chennai based MRF pace academy, but his small stature proved to be a major hindrance to his aspiring career. ( THANK GOD !!! else the WORLD would have been deprived of such a genius batsman. )

First step towards cricket
Tendulkar’s sensational journey to cricket stardom sparked of when his brother Ajit made him meet Mr. R. Achrekar ( Cricket Coach ). Sachin failed to perform in the first go which made him very nervous but his brother’s persuasion led Mr. Achrekar give him another chance.

Turning point in his career
It was his change of school to Shardashram Vidya Mandir in Dadar – close to Shivaji Park on his coach’s advice which marked a turn around in Sachin’s career. He says,” I use to bat in four nets at one strech. Whenever, I use to get tired, Achrekar use to keep a one rupee coin on top of the stumps and say, “Anyone who gets him out will take this coin. If no-one gets him, Sachin takes it.” Tendulkar till date contributes this technique in being instrumental for enhancing his concentration. He still treasures the 13 coins earned by him during the practice sessions.

Naughty Duo
Sachin and his best pal Vinod Kambli hold the World Record of 664 runs stand for Shardashram School in inter-school tournament in 1988. Tendulkar candidly admits that the total would have never assumed mammoth proportion had he and Kambli not ignored the man waving from the boundary with the coach’s message to declare.

Tendulkar’s Idol
Tendulkar’s idol is the American Tennis superstar-John McEnore. During his young age, he argued and fought for McEnore with his colony friends who supported Swedish Bjorn Borg. Sachin sported a head-band, sweat-band and a tennis racquet showing his staunch loyalty towards his idol.

Family Quirks
Sachin’s wife Anjali tends to become nervous while he bats whereas his brother has become so superstitious that he allows the family members to only watch the match recording.

His reactions to his dismissals
On pre-mature and early exits, Sachin likes to take out his anger somewhere. He prefers to be left alone, till he cools down.

God’s Importance in his life
Tendulkar is a God fearing person, a staunch devotee of Sai Baba, Ganpathi and frequently visits temples during night when it’s calm and quiet. He visualizes God in his parents. Religion to him is what his parents have inculcated in him, his upbringing and his way of life. Sachin strongly believes in the concept of re-birth, existence of Hell and Heaven. He loves celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at home with his family and believes that it firms his ties with his loved ones.

Greatest Hits..By Sachin

Ton-by-ton guide to Sachin Tendulkar’s feat in surpassing Sir Don Bradman’s 29 Test centuries.Â
1990Â At the age of 17, Tendulkar reaches three figures for the first time in a Test as he makes 119 not out against England at Old Trafford. The innings includes 17 fours but the match is drawn.
1992Â

Tendulkar shows the Australian fans what he is capable of by batting almost five hours for an unbeaten 148 in the third Test at Sydney, but once again the game is drawn.Â

The following match in Perth sees him make 114 off 161 balls, with 16 fours, but India are beaten by 300 runs.Â

Tendulkar is a class apart as he makes 111 out of an Indian first innings total of 227 against South Africa in Johannesburg and at 19 years and 217 days becomes the youngest player to reach 1,000 Test runs.Â

1993Â
England are on the receiving end as Tendulkar scores his first century on home soil, hitting a six and 24 fours in his 165 as India win by an innings and 22 runs in Madras.Â

Next up are Sri Lanka and Tendulkar’s second innings 104 not out helps India to a 235-run victory in Colombo.Â

1994Â

Tendulkar returns home to face Sri Lanka again and it is a similar story as he collects 22 boundaries in a first innings score of 142 at Lucknow as India triumph by an innings and 119 runs.

The year comes to an end with a home series against West Indies and Tendulkar defies Courtney Walsh and co for almost seven hours to make 179 in Nagpur. The game ends in a draw.Â

1996Â

Tendulkar is in brilliant form on his second tour to England, marking the start of a three-match series with 122 at Edgbaston, but he is unable to prevent the home side from winning by eight wickets.Â

The third match at Nottingham sees Tendulkar score 177, including 26 fours, and he shares a stand of 255 with Sourav Ganguly. The match, however, ends in a draw.Â

1997Â

India are beaten 2-0 in South Africa at the start of the year, but Tendulkar marks the second Test in Cape Town with a score of 169, which features 26 boundaries.Â

Tendulkar makes Sri Lanka suffer again by making 143 in an Indian total of 537 for eight declared in Colombo, but the game is drawn.Â

The second Test follows a similar pattern with Tendulkar this time batting for six and a half hours to reach 139.Â

There is no let-up for the Sri Lankans as they travel to India only to suffer another Tendulkar onslaught – 148 including three sixes and 20 fours in Bombay, but they escape with a draw.Â

1998Â
Australia visit India in early 1998 and Tendulkar greets Mark Taylor’s men by hitting fours sixes and 14 fours in his 155 not out at Madras as India win by 179 runs.Â

He does even better in the third Test at Bangalore with an innings of 177, but Australia prevent a clean sweep with an eight wicket win.Â

Tendulkar makes his first Test hundred against New Zealand, but his 113 cannot save India from a four-wicket defeat.Â

Arch-rivals Pakistan visit India and Tendulkar helps himself to 136 in Madras, only for India to lose an exciting match by 12 runs.Â

1999Â

Once again Tendulkar feasts on Sri Lanka’s bowling, making 124 not out in the drawn Test in Colombo.

India return home to play New Zealand and Tendulkar scores 126 not out in the drawn Test at Chandigarh.Â

A landmark innings in the third Test sees Tendulkar make 217, his first Test double century, in a 344-ball innings which includes 29 boundaries.Â

India are outplayed in Australia at the end of the year, but Tendulkar shows his class by scoring 116 in the second Test at Melbourne. The home side win the game, however, by 180 runs.Â

2000Â

Tendulkar plays the supporting role to Rahul Dravid with 122 as India beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in Delhi. Dravid scores 200 not out.Â

It is Tendulkar’s turn to double up in Nagpur as his 201 not out off 281 balls leads India to 609 for six declared, but the match is drawn.Â

2001Â
India complete a magnificent 2-1 triumph over Australia by winning the final Test by two wickets in Madras, with Tendulkar contributing 126 in India’s first innings.Â

Partnered by protege Virender Sehwag, Tendulkar hammers 155 off 184 balls against South Africa in Bloemfontein, but the home side win by nine wickets.Â

England try to keep Tendulkar in check, but it does not work at Ahmedabad, where he scores 103 in a drawn Test.Â

2002Â

Zimbabwe suffer in Nagpur as Tendulkar hits 23 fours in his 176 and India go on to win by an innings and 101 runs.Â

Tendulkar hits his 29th century to equal Bradman, with West Indies the team to suffer. He reaches 113 not out at the end of the first day in the second Test.Â

He then surpasses The Don’s record with a sublime 193 in the third Test against England at Headingley.Â

Interesting Stories and Facts about Sachin

Here are some interesting stories for all the god’s fan….
1.Sachin was given a pair of pads by his cricket hero Sunil Gavaskar when he was a schoolboy – and he made his Test debut for India against Pakistan aged just 16-years old in 1989 wearing those very pads…..

2.Like loads of other cricketers, Sachin is pretty superstitious – he’ll always put on his left pad before his right whenever he’s getting padded up……

3.“He hasn’t spent Diwali at home since we got married. But it really doesn’t matter that it’s Diwali… any time he spends at home is great!” – Anjali, his wife, told once…
Once in a BBC interview when asked about his dream women, Sachin answered ‘my wife’ without batting an eyelid.

4.”He scored a fantastic 148 in Shane Warne’s debut Test in Sydney and then followed it up with another century at Perth, one of the toughest pitches in the world, where Indians have traditionally struggled. The value of his hundred increased because all the other Indian batsmen struggled.
His weakness is the fact that he is so talented. His adrenaline pumps strongly when he walks out to bat with the noise of the crowds. You can’t hear yourself think with that noise.
I would pay $1000 to watch Sachin bat.
To score a 148 at Sydney – and that too when you are 18 — was out of the ordinary though the wicket was a lot like the ones you encounter in India, flat with lots of runs for the taking…….”
The above facts are told by Allan Border.

5.The entire cricket world is convinced of one thing : Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is the world’s best batsman. Not just for his extraordinary skill, not just for his ability to tear even the most formidable of bowling attacks to shreds; but also for a rare never-say-die spirit, an insatiable hunger for runs and victory, a desire to dominate the opponent ; commitment, dedication …

These are what the little champion has built his reputation on. ..

6.Tendulkar was a person who would never show any disrespect to the national flag..He respects the national flag most and had even sought permission to use the tricolour on his helmet……
It’s not the riches or the records but the love for the game that keeps the world’s richest cricketer going day after day. It is his hard work, determination, temperament & dedication for the country that keeps him charged….

7.Tendulkar, now in his eighteenth year in international cricket says, ”I still play… because I still love the game.” ”I would like to clarify this. It’s not about records. It’s all about loving the game and enjoying being out there in the middle. That is extremely special to me and far bigger than breaking records or creating new ones.”

”Creating records happens after you’ve gone on the cricket field, but you’ve got to find a reason to go on the cricket field, and for me the reason is very clear.”

”From the age of three I’ve loved this sport and I’ve never thought about scoring the most number of centuries or runs in international cricket. Everyone enjoys breaking records, I’m enjoying it too, but that is not the reason for playing cricket.”

“Whatever level you reach, getting better never stops”-Sachin.
Tendulkar said ”When I started playing, I always wanted to be regarded as one of the best and the idea was that when I stopped playing, people would remember my name. Being regarded as one of the best players is always a good feeling, and that drives you, it refuels you completely. You want to be on top of your game all the time and push yourself harder and harder. There’s a huge responsibility and it is a great challenge. I love that,” he added…..

8.Some quotes by GOD himself……
My big sister gave it to me after returning from a trip to Kashmir, which is known for its high-quality willows. It wasn’t the best bat, but it was like a piece of gold to me. I used to imagine myself batting for India, hitting fours and sixes, the people cheering.
I used that bat until it broke ..

I was the only one supporting John McEnroe — everyone used to call me “Mac” because I styled myself on him. I made my father buy me the same headbands and sweatbands and even grew my hair long. You wouldn’t believe the pictures of me from that time. I was also extremely naughty. Very, very difficult to handle. …I had a nanny who used to run after me virtually 24 hours a day, because I never wanted to go home

My father, who died in 1999, was never a cricket fan, not at all. He was a writer and a poet: he taught Marathi, my mother tongue, at the local university. But he understood exactly how to get the best out of me. He always encouraged me and told my mother that he had full faith in me. It was probably reverse psychology, but as I got older I felt like I could not misuse that trust. He warned me against taking short cuts and told me to just keep playing, despite the ups and downs. My parents taught me that it is important to live every day of your life with grace and honour.When it came to choosing between cricket and going to university, he said: “You can play cricket, I know that is your first love, so go for it.”
Of course, my parents were extremely happy when I became the youngest player to play for India, at 16. ..

Cricket is something very, very special to me. It has never been about owning this or that car and the other things that come with this life.. An obsession with money or worldly matters was always thumbed down. My only dream was to wear the Indian cap and the Indian colours. In that respect, my childhood dreams have come true…..

Having children brings back all my old childhood memories, wonderful years. Now, every minute is measured and calculated. I still dream — without dreams, life is flat, you stagnate. I don’t go to the temple every morning, but I do pray. I thank God for everything he has given me, because life has been very good to me.

9.Chappell should remember how Tendulkar has achieved his greatness and carried the weight of expectations of a billion people since the age of 16, Jadeja said. He added “When tendulkar enters the field, the crowd says-SACHIN! SACHIN! This is something what every cricketer wants”..

Sachin Tendulkar, the brightest star in the world of cricket has achieved his greatest prices with his intellectual and skilful cricketing brains..
SACHIN dreamt a world of superstars and great triumph and he achieved it..

At the age of 10 he walked to the field at 6 am with a cricket bag bigger than him for the practice. At the age of 11 he moved with his paternal uncle to get trained in cricket by the most renowned coach Ramakanth Achrekar. ..

10.Billions of hearts weep…..on the day when Sachin (GOD) retire.
Indians wish that day never comes. It would be one of the most disappointing days of our life. Ever since Indians started watching cricket, it was Sachin, Sachin & only Sachin who made them feel cricket so special. Sachin is only responsible for making cricket a religion in India. They haven’t experienced watching cricket without Sachin. Whether he was injured/rested, there was always a ray of hope that he comes back to team soon. But after retirement, he will never be backing………..If anyone wants to achieve anything in life, Sachin is the best example for them.
I feel most people find it hard to digest that Sachin will no more be a part of Indian cricket…….on that day, isn’t it?
JUST imagine that day, when Sachin plays his last game. He comes to bat for the last time, and everybody in the stadium claps & the chants of SACHIN!!! came for the last time after he gets out, while walking back to the pavilion, the entire crowd gives him a stand awaition. Many of them will be in tears, millions of eyes wet watching their hero play for the last time. An era ends. The end of a legend came……..The bond between every generation breaks. Would you miss Sachin a lot? I think most of people would say “YES”. The saddest day of Indian cricket- when genius retires…LOVE YOU SACHIN!!!

11.From the early 90s to the early years of the new millennium represented the decade of Brian Lara, Richardson, Martin Crowe, Steve and Mark Waugh, Mathew Hayden, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Gary Kirsten and Rahul Dravid. But there can be any doubt that the No.1 batsman in the world for a decade now has been Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. .
But figures, however important they may be, are something that Tendulkar’s achievement should not be measured by. He should be judged by the manner of his batting & that is what Bradman did.

Symbolized by Sir Bradman naming him in his dream team of all time. The team in which Tendulkar is the only Indian player.
He has scored runs on slow pitches of the subcontinent, fast tracks of West Indies, bouncy wickets in Australia and South Africa and in whirling conditions in New Zealand and England.

The thought of having Tendulkar as an opponent gives bowlers bad dreams. No batsman has inflicted such psychological damage to bowlers at any time in the world like Tendulkar did to Shane Warne!!!(Warne said Tendulkar is my nightmare).
His technique is so well organized that he is able to encounter any delivery with ease and comfort, giving the impression of having all the time in the world to play the stroke, the hallmark of the greatest of batsmen.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Trivia

Sachin Tendulkar was the first batsman to have been declared run out by a third umpire1992 against South Africa in South Africa.

He was the first overseas cricketer to play for Yorkshire CCC in 1993.

Shane Warne famously remarked after the Australian tour of India, and then Sharjah in 1998, that his nightmares are full of “Sachin coming, dancing down the track and lofting me over for yet another six !”

He once asked his care taker Laxmi bai to prepare a dish of frogs considered to be an yuck dish in India as a child.

Tendulkar has been seen taking his Ferrari 360 Modena for late-night drives in Mumbai. (Gifted by Fiat through Michael Schumacher, the car became notorious when Tendulkar was given customs exemption; Fiat paid the dues to end the controversy.)

During India’s tour to Australia, he was declared out when he ducked to coin the term “shoulder before wicket”

————-
He has won the most number of man of series and the man of matches in the
One day Internationals.

————-
On December 4, 2006, Tendulkar was featured in a question on the American
game show Jeopardy! The clue was “Sachin Tendulkar of India is a leading
‘bowler’ in this sport”

———
“Sachin, the name was given to him by his late father after the great music
composer & singer, Sachin Dev Burman”

SACHIN’S Domestic Career

At the age of 14 Sachin became the youngest player ever selected for Mumbai in the West Zone Ranji Trophy league.And the legend born………..

he was selected for the Sportstar Trophy for boys under 17. His scores of 158, 97 and 75 also won him the Man of the Series award and took his team (Dattu Phadkar XI) to victory.
In the Giles and Harris shield he had a fantastic run: 21 not out, 125, 207 not out, 326 not out, 172 not out, 346 not out, 0 and 14. The ‘failures’ of 172 not out, 0 and 14 were scored in the Giles Shield. His Harris Shield total of 1, 025 runs came to the staggering average of 1, 025!!!The two triple centuries had come in the Harris Shield, in the semifinals against St. Xavier’s, Fort (326 not out) and in the final against Anjuman-E-Islam (346 not out).

A soldier is not judged by the weapon he carries or the battlefields he conquers, but the character with which he uses his weapons on the battlefield. Sachin plays for a team, and we cannot think of a better saviour of Indian cricket than Sachin. Do not judge him merely by the runs he scores, for he has spawned a generation of fiercely motivated young cricketers that will carry the honour of our team for the next two decades. See his batting style, that style no one batted, bats & can ever bat…………………..

Tendulkar’s childhood memories

On the first day, Achrekar told Sachin to watch in order to get a feel of what playing with the ‘big boys’ would be like. ‘For the first and so far perhaps the only time in his cricket career, Sachin just stood and watched the others play,’ remembers Ajit….

‘His father was always behind him and his brother Ajit would accompany him to the nets. This was essential for the youngster.’
On the way home from that first session, he told his brother with the same confidence with which he would handle the world’s best bowlers, “I can bat better than any of them.”

Ajit noticed his ‘uncanny ability’ to judge the length of the ball and middle it.

Sachin was studying in the Indian Education Society’s New English School, close to the family home in Bandra (East) where most of his friends also studied. But the school lacked a good cricket ground and coach. On Achrekar’s suggestion, the switch was made and purely for the sake of cricket. Professor Ramesh Tendulkar was first approached by Achrekar with the suggestion; since the coach was by now convinced the boy had potential. But the father turned to Ajit for his opinion because Ajit had cricketing experience and had been guiding Sachin’s entry into serious cricket. Till now Sachin played cricket only during the school vacations. Now he would have to combine studies and cricket. But the final decision was left to Sachin himself – a tough one for someone so young who would miss his school friends. Commuting every day from his home in Bandra (East) to the new school meant a one-hour journey and he would have to change buses. However, it did not take him very long to reach a decision. Cricket was more important than fun and games in the backyard. Sharadashram it would be. It is remarkable that a family so steeped in middle-class values with education coming above all had the courage and foresight to take such a far-reaching decision.

Sachin in his child-like excitement picked out the first bat he saw, one that appeared too big and heavy for his size. Both Ajit and Achrekar tried to dissuade him. But he was firm in his choice and it has always been heavy bats from then on. Today he wields one of the heaviest in the world. (Up to 3lbs 2 ounces).
By now Sachin’s life revolved round cricket and cricket alone. Studies had begun to take a backseat. But there was a four-month hiatus during the monsoon months when the only cricket being played in Mumbai was the Kanga League.

His first big match knock produced 24 runs. This included three stylish boundaries – a square cut, a cover drive and a straight drive. Ajit was struck by the power in his kid brother’s hands since most cricketers of that age did not have the strength to hit boundaries, getting their runs mainly in singles and two’s. But Sachin’s timing was so good that he was able to find the gaps in the field, allowing the ball to race to the boundary.

The first person to predict the big time for Sachin was an umpire by the name of Gondhalekar. He was umpiring the quarterfinals against Don Bosco at Cross Maiden in which Sachin smashed 10 fours in a knock of 50. The umpire called Achrekar and predicted the lad would one day play for the country – a prediction Achrekar brushed aside since this was the boy’s first year in competitive cricket.

Achrekar was keen that Sachin get a place in the Bombay Cricket Association (BCA) nets for under-19 boys which were spread across the city and usually conducted by an ex-Test cricketer.

Ajit took Sachin to the MIG (Middle Income Group) Cricket Club ground, a short walk from their home in Bandra to meet the coach in charge, a man named Dandekar.
But Dandekar was shocked when he heard Sachin was just 12 and bluntly told Ajit his kid brother was too young to get into the under-19 nets.So the summer was spent instead in practice sessions with Achrekar, both in the mornings and afternoons. Sessions intense enough for Sachin to say goodbye to a normal childhood with summer vacations filled with childhood pranks and fun and games.

All through this year of 1985, it was cricket, cricket, and more cricket. The phrase ‘eat cricket, drink cricket, sleep cricket’ began to ring true for Sachin. Even after he broke into international cricket, Sachin was known to talk – cricket, of course! – and walk in his sleep. And the phrase he uttered most often in his sleep? ‘Take two!’ (In Marathi – ‘Don-ge’).

The grind would begin at 7.00 in the morning, a quick breakfast and then at the ground at 7.30. A batting session would be followed by tips from Achrekar who was always on hand to guide his favorite student. Bowling was a fascination with Sachin from the early days and even then he bowled an assortment of medium pace and leg spin. Fielding was also taken seriously. The morning session would be till 10.00, and the afternoon would begin at 3.00 and continue till 7.00.
Just 12, Sachin also played his first match in the Kanga League, scoring five for Young Parsee Cricket Club in the ‘F’ division.

A special batting prize was presented to the precocious youngster, still one year short of his teens. By now he had made quite a name for himself and his school fielded him in both the Giles and Harris Shield tournaments. In fact, his maiden century came in the Harris; the senior of the two.That landmark came against Don Bosco School, Matunga at the Bharat CC ground at Shivaji Park. He was unbeaten on 96 at the end of the first day of the three-day match, coming in after the loss of two wickets. To get over the tension, Sachin decided to spend the night at his parents’ home instead of his uncle’s. But it was a sleepless night. Early on the second day, one of the rival team’s pace bowlers was square cut to the boundary and Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar’s first century entered the record books………Oh my God….

Sachin was chosen for the Mumbai under-15 team for the Vijay Merchant inter-zonal tournament to be played in Pune. By this time, the big names of Mumbai cricket were beginning to take notice of this wonder boy.
It has happened countless times since in newspapers and magazines around the world. But the very first time Sachin’s photograph appeared in the papers was when he scored 123 against Maharashtra in just 140 minutes in the opening game at Baroda.

Now it was back to do duty for Sharadashram in the Harris Shield. In the very first match he registered an amazing score for a boy barely into his teens: 276 against BPM High School, that too in a single day against boys three to four years older than him. Just one rung lower, in the Giles Shield, Sachin had been appointed captain. The first match was against the powerful Balamohan, Ajit’s former team. Sachin confidently predicted he would win not only that match, but the title as well…..

Sharadashram were struggling at 40 for three in reply to Balamohan’s 250 when the captain (Sachin) came in and smashed 159 not out in two hours. The team was on its way. And so was Sachin.

And true to his word, he had led his school to victory, scoring 665 runs with three centuries in the Giles Shield. For the first time, Sharadashram English achieved the Harris/Giles double, largely due to Sachin’s huge scores.

‘Sachin was making runs by the tons. I went to Shivaji Park in Dadar and met him just around lunch. I told him that since he was fielding I would come later in the evening to chat with him,’ Warrier told……’I was quite surprised to see his brother too with him in the evening. I was wondering how he had found the time to call his brother to the ground. I suggested we go to a restaurant and have a cup of tea. They agreed and we walked a short distance from the ground to a small Irani restaurant. It is one of the oldest in that area. As we started chatting I realized that Sachin was keeping mum and Ajit was doing all the talking. Every time I asked a question, Sachin would prompt his brother in Marathi, ‘Tu sang na’ (You tell him). So I told him, since you go to an English medium school you should speak to me in English and not in Marathi. He politely smiled. ……..
‘Sachin is also a good singer.’

Even while scoring a mountain of runs, Sachin did not neglect his bowling and picked up quite a few wickets with his medium pacers.
In October of that year 1987, he was part of the selection trials at the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai (then known as Madras), overseen by Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee. But Lillee was not impressed with his bowling (due to his short height) and told him to concentrate on batting, biggest mistake by an Australian………..
Sachin was not selected for the Academy.

Sachin’s favorites

Favorite food
All sea food, especially fish cooked by his mother, steak. (by the way he also enjoys devouring bowlers of the opposition!)

Hobbies
Driving and listening to music especially Dire Straits, Sting, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Phil Collins and Eagles.

Other Cricketers admired
Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, Jonty Rhodes, Shane Warne, Sanath Jayasuriya and Brian Lara

Team Mates Admired
Anil Kumble, Vinod Kambli, Javagal Srinath.

Other sportsmen admired
Diego Maradona, John McEnroe and Boris Becker

In his spare time he attends to
His family and his personal stereo

He likes batting with
Vinod Kambli

One dream that will always remain unfulfilled
Playing against the West Indies pace attack of Holding, Marshall, Garner and Roberts.

Favorite cricket grounds
Sydney Cricket Ground and Wankhede Stadium.

Most memorable match
Beating Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the 1992 World Cup.

Memorable Moments in TEST MATCHES :-

Test Matches:
1] 10-14th August 1990: 2nd test India vs England, Old Trafford Manchester: Sachin Tendulkar got to his first test hundred when he drove Angus Fraser past mid off for 3 runs and aged 17, became the second youngest player in test history to score a hundred after Mushtaq Mohammaed of Pakistan. However that knock had much more significance than just being his first test hundred. It helped India save a match that looked all but lost as they were tottering at 183/6 before tea chasing a victory target of 408 runs. Sachin who scored an unbeaten 119 to win the man of the match award. Manoj Prabhakar too played an important hand in helping India salvage a draw.

2] 2-6th January 1992, 3rd test India vs Australia, Sydney: Sachin holds the record for being the youngest batsman to score a hundred on Australian soil when he scored a superb 148 not out against Australia at the picturesque Sydney Cricket Ground. “Each and every stroke deserved to be stood up and applauded,” commented Aussie commentator Bill Lawry describing Sachin’s knock.

3] 1-5th February 1992 5th test India vs Australia, Perth: “It still remains my best test match innings,” said the man himself in a recent TV interview about his hundred on a fast and bouncy wicket at the WACA ground in Perth. On a pitch where batsmen of more experience and higher pedigree struggled against the pace of McDermott, Hughes, Whitney and Reiffel, Sachin who was still only 18 but fresh from his Sydney hundred played a gem. He coped with the pace and bounce quite easily and stroked his way to a beautiful hundred. Although his knock could not help India avoid another humiliating defeat it still remains one of the best knocks ever played at the WACA. After he got to his hundred, celebrated Aussie commentator Richie Benaud said, “It’s a great pity that an innings which deserved a crowd of over a 100,000 is being watched by a such a small crowd.”

4] 6-10th March 1998, 1st Test India vs Australia, Chennai. The Gavaskar-Border trophy between India and Australia was billed as the Warne vs Tendulkar series by fans and media alike, not surprising considering the reputation of the two great stars and their attacking instincts. But after being stripped of the Captaincy, Sachin batted like a man posessed almost out to prove a point. He was dismissed by the champion leg spinner for 4 in the first innings playing an ambitious stroke but in the second innings he decided to make amends and launched into Warne from the first delivery he bowled. India were trailing by 70 runs when they began their second innings and they needed a quick fire innings from some one if they had to make a match of it. His 155 not out in the second inns on a track that afforded sharp turn and bounce helped India win the test match. Says Ian Chappell about that inns, ” I will always remember that Chennai test match for a lot of good things but I will never forget for as long as I live the moment when Shane Warne came around the wicket for the first time and Tendulkar deposited him over the mid wicket boundary.”

5] 28 Jan to 1st Feb 1999, 1st test India vs Pakistan, Chennai: It was the first time that India and Pakistan were playing a test match on Indian soil for 12 years and the first ever test series between the two countries since 1989. Sachin was dismissed for a duck in the first inns by off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. But Sachin more than made up for it by scoring 136 in the second inns and almost took India to an unlikely win. India were 82/5 in their second essay chasing 271 to win. Sachin battled back spasms and a pumped up Pakistani team with a superb blend of defence and attack. He carried on and when India were just 17 runs away from their target he fell victim to Saqlain again. His wicket gave the Pakistanis a new lease of life and they polished off the lower order to complete a thrilling 12 run win. That was the first time fans saw Sachin wince in pain on a cricket field and although he won the man of the match award it was little consolation for Sachin who broke down in the dressing room after he saw India being beaten from a seemingly winning position.

It’s not just his willow that speaks:

It’s not just Sachin’s willow that has enthralled Cricket fans the world over, he has also made telling contributions with the ball. Who can forget the dramatic last over that he bowled in the semi finals of the Hero Cup against the South Africans at Calcutta on that dramatic evening on November 24th 1993 in front of a packed Eden Gardens at Calcutta? The Springboks needed just 6 runs to win off the last over and Skipper Azharuddin was in a dilemma as to who should bowl the last over. Kapil Dev with over 400 test wickets and 200 ODI wickets would have been the obvious choice but the legendary all rounder was for once not game to take up the challenge. Sachin who was only 20 then literally snatched the ball from his skipper’s hands and with clever variations in pace and movement denied the Springboks a win.

He also picked up 5 wickets in the first match of the Pepsi Cup at Kochi against Australia on April 1 1998 to win the man of the match award.

Sachin also made telling breakthroughs in the second inns of the Kolkata test against Australia in the recently concluded series and picked up 3 wickets to give Harbhajan Singh the much needed support from the other end. Of course he also picked up his 100th one day victim when he dismissed Steve Waugh in the last one dayer at Goa. So he is the only member of the joint 100 wkt and 10,000 run club. And that is an awesome record which will take some beating.

First batsman to score 50 hundreds in international cricket

When he became the first batsman to score 50 hundreds in international cricket, Sachin Tendulkar established himself as the greatest of all Indian cricketers. Recognised by Sir Donald Bradman as his modern incarnation, Tendulkar has a skill – a genius – which only a handful have possessed. It was not a skill that he was simply born with, but one which was developed by his intelligence and an infinite capacity for taking pains. If there is a secret, it is that Tendulkar has the keenest of cricket minds. At times in a Test series he looks mortal. But he learns every lesson, picks up every cue, dominates the opposing attack sooner or later, and nearly always makes a hundred. His bravery was proved after he was hit on the head on his Test debut in Pakistan, when he was only 16; and his commitment to the Indian cause has never been in doubt. If captaincy – or rather the off-field management of men less skilled than himself – was beyond him at his first attempt, his reading of the game, and his manifold varieties of bowling, have shown the same acute intelligence. His cricket has been played in the right way too, always attacking, and because he knew that was the right way rather than because he was a child of the one-day age, as he himself modestly said. The awe of opponents was as great as that of crowds. But the finest compliment must be that bookmakers would not fix the odds – or a game – until Tendulkar was out.

Memorable Moments in ONE DAY INNINGS

1] 27th March 1994, India vs New Zealand, Eden Park Auckland: It was the first time Sachin opened the innings in ODI’s. Opener Navjot Singh Sidhu got injured and although India were chasing a small victory target of 146 no batsman was willing to open on a seaming Eden Park wicket. But Sachin took the responsibility of opening the innings. And what a happy accident it turned out to be as he smashed 82 off 43 balls. Describing this knock Sachin said “Such innings’s are possible only once in a life time. It was like a dream.”

2] 15th April, 1996: India vs Pakistan, Sharjah Pakistan have always had an edge over their arch rivals at the desert venue and 1996 was no different. India had lost both their games one to Pakistan and the other to South Africa. In a must win game Sachin Tendulkar displayed guts and determination in plenty and smashed a brilliant hundred. He shared a wonderful second wicket partnership of 232 runs along with Navjot Sidhu and helped India to a total of 305. Incidentally, it was the first time that India scored in excess of 300 runs in a one day match.

3] 22nd April 1998: India vs Australia (“Sandstorm innings”), Sharjah “The best innings he has ever played” is how commentator Ravi Shastri described Sachin’s performance on that eventful, emotionally draining and nerve jangling day at Sharjah. India were playing Australia who after batting first put up a massive 283 runs putting the Indians under pressure. India needed to win the match to qualify for the finals of the Coca Cola Cup or end up 30 runs short of the Australian score in order to get a back door entry into the finals and pip the Kiwis. After losing four quick wickets a struggling VVS Laxman came in to join Sachin and the Indians seemed to be staring defeat in the face, needing more than a run a ball in the remaining 20 odd overs. As if things were not bad enough then a massive sandstorm came in from no where and interrupted the game for about half an hour. The target was readjusted and India needed to get 237 in 46 overs and the asking rate became more steep – India were asked to get 94 runs in 87 balls. But before he resumed his innings Sachin assured Indian team coach Anshuman Gaekwad by saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll be there till the end.” Such was his confidence and determination. He smashed the first ball off Michael Kasprowicz for a six and then almost like a man posessed made 143, taking India into the finals of the Coca-Cola Cup. India lost the match by 20 odd runs but that superb knock helped India have one more crack at the Aussies in the finals on Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday.

4] 24th April 1998 India vs Australia (“Happy Birthday Sachin”) Finals of the Coca Cola Trophy, Sharjah: The crowds at the Sharjah, had come with banners wishing Sachin a happy 25th birthday along with their intense desire to see him play another one of those blinders and take India to victory. Sachin didn’t disappoint them. Australia had put up a huge target of 273 and that meant India had quite a chase on their hands. Before the Indian innings began noted Australian commentator Greg Chappell made a telling comment. He said, “Sachin will be feeling just a little bit drained from his previous effort and the weight of the entire Indian population will be on his young shoulders.” He was right but Sachin went about his task with clinical precision and made 134. He unleashed some of his breathtaking strokes and power only after he had ensured that India were well on the road to victory. After depositing Aussie paceman Michael Kasprowicz on to the roof of the Sharjah stadium, noted TV commentator Tony Greig said, “This little man is the nearest thing to Bradman there’s ever been.” Sachin ended up sweeping almost all the awards after India emerged victorious. He also won an Opel Astra for his efforts at Sharjah an award which he dedicated to his wife, on his 25th birthday.

5] 29th May, 1999 India vs Kenya (“This one’s for you dad”), India vs Kenya, Bristol: Sachin Tendulkar’s 140 not out in the match against Kenya said a lot about the temperament that the litle champion possesses. India were under pressure to win the match to stay in contention as they had lost their previous two games to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Sachin had not taken part in the match against Zimbabwe as he had to return to India because of the rather unfortunate death of his father. However he made it a point to return to England for the World Cup. His hundred against Kenya is still talked about as one of the great knocks of all time simply because of all the pressures (most of them non-cricketing) he was under.

6] 31st March, 2000 India vs Australia, Indore: (Sachin’s creates history by becoming the first batsman in the history of limited overs cricket to score 10,000 runs.) Sachin came into the third one day international at Indore after he had slammed a rapid fire 35 and 32 in his previous two knocks at Bangalore and Pune respectively. He was rather unfairly criticised by some sections of the media who thought he batted irresponsibly. However the moment he walked in to bat at Indore one could see the determination on his face and one could almost anticipate a hundred from the Bombay Bomber. Sachin did not disappoint and he pulverised the Aussie bowlers and hammered his 28th one day hundred. Sachin’s inns of 139 off just 125 deliveries can easily be rated as one of his best one day inns as he was at his innovative best and he often played strokes that were cheeky to say the least. During his inns he also achieved the distinction of becoming the first player to reach the landmark of 10,000 runs in one day internationals. It was indeed a fine treble for Sachin as he reached 10,000 runs, slammed his 28th ton and he also helped India post a comprehensive win to take a 2-1 lead in the 5 match series. He rightly won the man of the match award for his stunning exploits.

Style of play

Tendulkar is cross-dominant: He bats, bowls and throws with his right hand, but writes with his left hand. He also practices left-handed throws at the nets on a regular basis. Cricinfo columnist LinkSambit Bal has described him as the "most wholesome batsman of his time". His batting is based on complete balance and poise while limiting unnecessary movements and flourishes. He appears to show little preference for the slow and low wickets which are typical in India, and has scored many centuries on the hard, bouncy pitches in South Africa and Australia. He is known for his unique punch style of hitting the ball over square. He is also renowned for his picture-perfect straight drive, often completed with no follow-through. In 2008 Sunil Gavaskar, in an article he wrote in the AFP, remarked that "it is hard to imagine any player in the history of the game who combines classical technique with raw aggression like the little champion does".

Sir Donald Bradman, considered by many as the greatest batsman of all time, considered Tendulkar to have a batting style similar to his. In his biography, it is stated that "Bradman was most taken by Tendulkar's technique, compactness and shot production, and had asked his wife to have a look at Tendulkar, having felt that Tendulkar played like him. Bradman's wife, Jessie, agreed that they did appear similar."

Tendulkar at the crease, getting ready to face a delivery

Former Australian cricket team coach John Buchanan voiced his opinion that Tendulkar had become susceptible to the short ball early in his innings because of a lack of footwork.Buchanan also believes Tendulkar has a weakness while playing left-arm pace. He was affected by a series of injuries since 2004. Since then Tendulkar's batting has tended to be less attacking. Explaining this change in his batting style, he has acknowledged that he is batting differently due to that fact that, firstly, no batsman can bat the same way for the entire length of a long career and, secondly, he is a senior member of the team now and thus has more responsibility. During the early part of his career he was a more attacking batsman and frequently scored centuries at close to a run a ball. Ian Chappell, former Australian player, remarked in 2007 that "Tendulkar now, is nothing like the player he was when he was a young bloke".

Tendulkar has incorporated several modern and unorthodox strokes into his repertoire in recent times, including the paddle sweep, the scoop over short fine leg and the slash to third man over the slips' heads, over the last seven or eight years. This has enabled him to remain scoring consistently in spite of the physical toll of injuries and a lean period in the mid-2000s. By his own admission, he does not bat as aggressively as he did in the 90s and early 2000s, because his body has undergone changes and cannot sustain aggressive shotmaking over a long period. He is often praised for his ability to adapt to the needs of his body and yet keep scoring consistently.

While Tendulkar is not a regular bowler, he can bowl medium pace, leg spin, and off spin with equal ease. He often bowls when two batsmen of the opposite team have been batting together for a long period, as he can often be a useful partnership breaker. With his bowling, he has helped secure an Indian victory on more than one occasion. He has taken 44 test match wickets and is the tenth highest wicket taker for India in ODIs.

Sachin Tendulkar News

Sachin Says Good Bye to Ferrari and Welcomes Nissan GTR

Sachin Tendulkar had sold his nine year old 360 Modena Ferrari car to his business man friend Jayesh Desai. Director of Rajhans Group Mr. Jayesh Desai had most likely paid a huge amount of Rs. 1.2 crore to own Sachin’s favorite ride. Red color 360 Modena Ferrari car was gifted to Master Blaster by automobile company FIAT in year 2002 on the occasion of leveling the Sir Don Bradman’s record of 29 centuries. Keys of Ferrari were presented to Sachin by the Ferrari’s brand ambassador and Formula 1 Champion Michael Schumacher in a presentation ceremony in England in 2002. Sachin’s Ferrari is most likely to be replaced by Nissan’s GTR. Nissan’s GTR is a 3.8L twin-turbo V6 engine car and Sachin is going to pay approximately of 3,80,000 UAE Dirham (which is equal to about Rs.47 lakh) for it.



Sachin Awarded with Polly Umrigar Award

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has been awarded with Polly Umrigar Award at BCCI Annual Award ceremony held on May 31, 2011 at the Sea side Lawns, Taj Land’s End, Bandra, Mumbai. He was awarded for his outstanding performance from October 2009 to September 2010. He scored 1064 runs at the average of 82, which comprises of 5 centuries and a double century in 10 Test matches. He scored 695 runs including that of the first double hundered of the ODI in 12 ODI’s played by him during this perod. BCCI president Shashank Manohar handed over Rs. 5 Lakh cheque as the prize money along with Polly Umrigar trophy to Sachin Tendulkar. This is the third time that he is awarded with Polly Umrigar Award, before that he was awarded for his performance in year 2006-07 and 2008-09.

BCCI Annual Awards 2011.jpg



God Of Cricket In ICC World Cup 2011

Master Blaster’s dream of holding the World Cup trophy was finally achieved in his 6th World Cup Tournament. Sachin played really very hard to make his dream come true and also made many new records in CWC 2011. Sachin scored 482 runs in CWC 2011 second highest run and is only after the Sri-Lanka’s T Dilshan who scored 500 runs. Sachin made two centuries and two half centuries. Sachin reached to the mark of 48 hundred’s in ODI and 99 in international cricket including 51 of test matches. The Master also reached to the landmark of 18,000 runs in ODI and become the only cricketer to do so.

Innings of Sachin in WC-2011 in which he had done great job:

120 Against England: In the second league match of India, Dhoni after winning the toss decided to bat first. Sachin made crucial partnerships with Sehwag, Gambhir and Yuvraj and made 120 runs in just 115 balls before he got out. His innings of 120 runs include 10 fours and 5 sixes. India didn’t win this match but his innings help India to safely play for a tie in a very tight match.

111 Against South Africa: India in its 5th league match, after winning the toss elected to bat first. Sehwag and Sachin put an opening partnership of 142 runs, before du Plessis took the wicket of Sehwag. Sachin continued the show with Gambhir and made 111 runs by just facing 101 balls before JP Dumminy caught him on Morkel’s ball. India set a target of 297 for Africans. Despite of Sachin’s fabulous innings India was unable to save the game and lost the match by 3 wickets.

53 Against Australia: In the Quarter Final match Aussies skipper after winning the toss elected to bat first. Australia set a target of 261 runs for India. India comfortably reached the target in just 47.4 overs and won the match by 5 wickets. Sachin contributed valuable 53 runs in 68 balls.

85 Against Pakistan: In a semi final match against the art rivals Pakistan, Sachin played a valuable innings of 85 runs in115 balls. Sachin’s innings helped India to set the fighting total of 260 runs batting first. In reply to India’s 260 runs Pakistan team got all out at just 231 runs. India won the match by 29 runs. Sachin was the top scorer of the match and was awarded Man of the Match award for such a match winning innings

Wish Sachin Tendulkar Happy Birthday

Sunday, 24th April 2011 wont just be another day of an year. It will be a special day as God of cricket will be celebrating his 38th birthday. With each passing year, Sachin is becoming more dangerous player and the master is not only achieving each of his dreams but is motivating others to do well.

happy bday sachin

With almost every record to his name, the master blaster’e key to success has been his commitment and his desire to play well. We Indians are proud to have a player of this stature playing for us and hope he will continue to guide Indian Cricket in coming years.

Sachin Scores 1st IPL 100

Sachin Tendulkar who has almost every record to his name in cricket added one more feather to his cap when he scored a century against Kochi Tuskers Kerela. It was his first 100 in DLF- Indian Premier League. The man who holds the record for highest number of centuries in International cricket had not scored a century in IPL season 1, Season 2 or season 3 but today even that wish was fulfilled.

The master took on Kochi bowlers right from the first ball and continued to score runs with ease. His 100 came off just 66 balls with 12 fours and 3 sixes.

Sachin has been in tremendous form right from the World Cup and Mumbai Indians would be hoping that he continues the same in this edition of IPL so that the “GOD OF CRICKET”, can lift this trophy as well

Sachin Deserves Bharat Ratna

The voices are gaining momentum and people from all fields are now demanding Bharat Ratna for the Cricket God Sachin Tendulkar. Earlier MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan demanded Bharat Ratna for the master but now even hockey players like Viren Rasquinha and Dhanraj Pillay are batting for the highest civilian award for the master blaster.

Earlier Dhoni commented on whether Sachin should get Bharat Ratna “Yes, 200 per cent, because he is an ideal candidate, he has served the country for 21 years with a few more to come. As a cricketer, you know, if he doesn’t get it, then I don’t think there’s anyone who’ll get the Bharat Ratna ever.”

Sachin’s Dream Fulfilled

The only dream of Cricket God, Sachin Tendulkar was to lift the World Cup trophy. This wish had not been fulfilled from past 2 decades but under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, this desire of Sachin is also fulfilled. Just after MS Dhoni hit a six to win the final match, Sachin was seen jumping with enthusiasm and joy. Team India lifted the master blaster on shoulder and went for a victory lap.

Sachin_Tendulkar

Reacting on the World Cup win, Sachin said in an interview to CNN IBN
“The proudest moment of my life, by far, because I think the reason for me to start playing cricket with proper seasoned ball was to lift this beautiful trophy one day and do it for the nation. Every cricketer wants to do that and I have waited for long 22 years. It’s a rather long period to wait. But the best part was I continued chasing my dream. My dream was to lift the trophy and God was kind enough to allow me to do that on 2nd of April.”

Sachin Tendulkar Wallpapers

Pride of India – Sachin Tendulkar

Pride of India - Sachin Tendulkar Wallpaper


The Badshah Of Indian Cricket

The Badshah Of Indian Cricket


Winning Moments

 Winning Moments  SACHIN-TENDULKAR-WALLPAPER


Superman of Indian Cricket

Superman of Indian Cricket Sachin Tendulkar Wallpaper


Greatest Cricketer In History

Greatest Cricketer In History - Sachin Tendulkar Wallpaper


Sachin – India’s Pride

Sachin Wallpaper - India's Pride


Excellent Shot

Excellent Shot Sachin Tendulkar Wallpaper



Little Master – Tendulkar

Little Master - Tendulkar Wallpaper




Sachin Thanking To God

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Indian Cricket Legend

Indian Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar Wallpaper

Little Master – Sachin Tendulkar

Little Master - Sachin Tendulkar Wallpaper

Batting Superstar – The Tendulkar

Batting Superstar - The Tendulkar

Tendulkar – Star of World Cricket

Tendulkar - Star of World Cricket Wallpaper

Super Knock By Tendulkar

Super Knock By Tendulkar Wallpaper

About Sachin Tendulkar

Name: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

Nickname: Little Master, Master Blaster, Cricket God

sachin tendulkar wallpaper

Birth Date: April 24, 1973

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Birth Place: Mumbai, India

Profession: Cricket

Sex: Male

Nationality: Indian

Height: 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)

Education: Sharadashram Vidyam

Batting style: Right-hand bat

Bowling style: Right-arm offbreak, Legbreak googly

Major Teams - India, Asia XI, Mumbai, Mumbai Indians, Yorkshire

Coach : Ramakant Achrekar

Information about Sachin ’s Family
Father: Sri Ramesh Tendulkar
Wife: Smt Anjali Mehta
Children: One daughter, Sara and a son Arjun
Brothers: Ajit and Nitin
Sister : Savitai

Sachin Tendulkar Quotes

Here you can read what the greatest cricketer of all time had to say. We have collected many Sachin Tendulkar Quotes and if you think we have missed some, just submit them using the comment form below

But eventually it is a game of cricket.

I just want to continue the way I am going.

I have played for 15 years and it has been a dream.

I have never tried to compare myself to anyone else.

I just keep it simple. Watch the ball and play it on merit.

There are a few players who don’t like to think about the game.

The Australian tour was good for us; it was ideal preparation for us.

I have never thought where I will go, or forced any targets on myself.

I am not thinking too far ahead, just want to take it one thing at a time.

At least with me, the match starts much, much earlier than the actual match.

I always had a dream to play for India but I never let it put pressure on me.

Obviously after such a long gap, one itches to get back to the game and score big runs.

From the spinners, Anil and I have been together for a long time and I respect him a lot.

I believe every era has its significance and the same holds true for players and coaches.

Every individual has his own style, his own way of presenting himself on and off the field.

If one man is representing India in cricket, then yes, blame that person when things go wrong.

I want to give my six hours of serious cricket on the ground and then take whatever the result.

Lara’s done very well recently and I never had any doubts about the abilities of Lara or Waugh.

I have never believed in comparisons, whether they are about different eras, players or coaches.

Wasim and Waqar were amazing bowlers. I would put them right up there with the best in the world.

It has been very good here, but the World Cup game was different. It had a different significance to it.

I feel when somebody has been playing cricket for a long time, he creates a separate identity for himself.

My point of view is that when I am playing cricket I cannot think that this game is less or more important.

And that is the reason why this victory is great, because different players have made contributions to the win.

Beating Pakistan is always special because they are a tough team and we have a bit if a history regarding Pakistan.

Isn’t cricket supposed to be a team sport? I feel people should decide first whether cricket is a team game or an individual sport.

The moment there is contact, your sub conscious mind knows whether it’s a single or more. It’s that fraction of contact that matters.

I find it difficult to sleep even after all these years because my mind is constantly working and that is the way I have always prepared.

When there is time to think about cricket, I think but when there is time to be with family, I try to do justice to that aspect of my life as well.

I hate losing and cricket being my first love, once I enter the ground it’s a different zone altogether and that hunger for winning is always there.

It doesn’t always happen according to the way you have planned things out but I feel if you have covered most of the aspects, it does help out there in the middle.

Sachin Tendulkar Records


Sachin Tendulkar is the cricketer who is born to break all records. He has broken many records and till date even today he is getting stronger and stronger. As of February 2010, Sachin holds following records

Test Match Records
Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run scorer in the Test cricket.

First cricketer to pass 12,000 run in Test cricket.

Highest number of centuries in Tests (47).

Sachin is the only player who has 40 wickets and more than 11,000 runs in Tests.

Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest player to score 1,000 Test runs, 2,000 Test runs, 3,000 Test runs, 4,000 Test runs, 5,000 Test runs, 6,000 Test runs, 7,000 Test runs, 8,000 Test runs, 9,000 Test runs and 10,000 Test runs.

Sachin Tendulkar has played Test cricket at a record 52 different grounds.

In 2002, Wisden rated him as the second greatest Test batsman after Sir Donald Bradman.

On 3 January 2007, Sachin (5,751 runs) edged past Brian Lara’s (5,736 runs ) world record of runs scored in Tests away from home.

Sachin’s record of five Test centuries before he turned 20 is a current world record.

Sachin Tendulkar became the first Indian to surpass the 11,000 Test runs mark

Sachin Tendulkar has played the most number of Test Matches (144) for India.

One-Day Internationals Records

Sachin Tendulkar is the only batsmen to score a double hundred (200 in 147 balls against South Africa on 24Feb 2010) in ODI.

Sachin Tendulkar has the most number of ODI centuries(46).

Sachin Tendulkar has the most number of fifties in ODIs (93).

Sachin Tendulkar has the most number of runs in ODI cricket (17598).

Sachin Tendulkar was the first cricketer to pass 10,000 runs in ODIs.

Sachin Tendulkar was the first cricketer to pass 15,000 runs in the ODIs.

Sachin Tendulkar has won Man of the Match award 56 in the ODIs, making him the the best of all

Sachin Tendulkar has most number of Man of the Series award, 14 in total.

Sachin Tendulkar has won Most man of match awards (10) against Australia.

Sachin Tendulkar has the highest ODI score among Indian batsmen (186* against New Zealand at Hyderabad in 1999).

Sachin Tendulkar has Appeared in highest number of ODIs (425).

Sachin Tendulkar is the only player to be in top 10 ICC ranking for 10 years.

Sachin Tendulkar has scored 1,894 runs in calendar year in ODIs – the most by any batsman.

Sachin Tendulkar has the record of most centuries in a calendar year: nine ODI centuries in 1998.

He has scored 1,000 runs in a calendar year on six separate occasions – 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 & 2003.

In 1998 he had nine one-day centuries in a year making him the only player to do it.

Sachin Tendulkar is the fastest cricketer to reach 10,000 runs, taking 259 innings and has the highest batting average among batsmen with over 10,000 ODI runs.

Sachin Tendulkar has scored over 1,000 ODI runs against all major cricketing nations.

In 1998 he scored a total of 1,894 runs, a record number of runs scored in ODIs in a single year.

Sachin with Sourav Ganguly hold the world record for the maximum number of runs scored by the opening partnership. They have put together 6,271 runs in 128 matches.The duo also has a record of 20 century partnership for opening pair.

He is the only player ever to pass the 13,000, 14,000 and 15,000 run marks in ODIs.

Sachin and Rahul Dravid hold the world record for the highest partnership in ODI matches when they scored 331 runs against New Zealand in 1999.

Sachin is the only player who has 150 wickets and more than 15,000 runs in ODIs.

In 2003, Wisden rated Sachin as No. 1 and Richards at No. 2 in the list of all-time greatest ODI players.


Sachin Tendulkar Awards

Padma Vibhushan
In May 2008 Sachin received the Padma Vibhushan from President of India Pratibha Patil. This was the first time that any cricketer has received this honor. Many other esteemed personalities like Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Vice President Hamid Ansari were present at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

MCA’s Silver Bat
In 2001, when the master blaster scored 10,000 runs in ODI, the Mumbai Cricket Association presented a 10kg silver bat to him.

Maharashtra Bhushan Award
On April 24, 2001, Sachin got a birthday present in the form of the Maharashtra Bhushan Award by the Cultural and Affairs Minister Ramkrishna More. He got a cash prize of Rs 5 Lakhs.

Padma Shri
In 1999, Sachin Tendulkar got the civil honour by the Indian Government in recognition of distinguished contribution to Indian cricket. The then President of India, Shri K.R. Narayanan in a very special function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan awarded the master blaster.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
In 1998, the highest sports award i.e. the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna was awarded to Sachin Tendullkar. This award consisted of a scroll of honour, a plaque and a cash sum of Rs 1 lakh.

Arjuna Award
In 1994, Sachin got the prestigious Arjuna award for his outstanding performance in cricket. This award consisted of a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a bronze statuette of Arjuna and a scroll.

Career Statistics Sachin Tendulkar

As on 10 March, 2011 the master batsmen career stats are as follow

Batting Stats


Tests

ODIs

T20Is

First-Class

Twenty20

Matches 177 448 1 280 44
Innings 290 437 1 442 44
Not Out 32 41 0 48 5
Runs 14692 17842 10 23585 1516
High Score 248* 200* 10 248* 89
Average 56.94 45.05 10.00 59.86 38.87
Strike Rate
86.28 83.33
129.46
100’s 51 47 0 78 0
50’ 59 93 0 105 11
Catches 106 134 1 174 19




Bowling Stats


Tests

ODIs

T20Is

First-Class

Twenty20

Matches 177 448 1 280 44
Innings 135 267 1
8
Balls 4096 8020 15 7461 93
Runs 2388 6817 12 4280 123
Wickets 45 154 1 70 2
BBI 3/10 5/32 1/12 3/10 1/12
BBM 3/14 5/32 1/12
1/12
Average 53.06 44.26 12.00 61.14 61.50
Economy 3.49 5.10 4.80 3.44 7.93
Strike Rate 91.3 52.0 15.0 106.5 46.5
5w 0 2 0 0 0

Sachin Tendulkar Biography



Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973 in Mumbai, India. He went to Shradashram Vidyamandir, a high school in Mumbai, where he began his cricketing career under his coach Ramakant Achrekar. He attended the MRF Pace Foundation during his schooldays to train as a fast bowler, but Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who saw him training, was not much impressed and suggested that Tendulkar should focus on his batting instead. As a young boy, Tendulkar would practice for hours at the net, and was driven hard by his coach Achrekar.

While at school, his extraordinary batting skills got noticed by the sports circuit. People felt that the young boy would soon become one of the greats in cricket. In the 1988 season, he scored a century in every inning that he played. In one of the inter school matches that year, he had an unbroken 664-run partnership with friend and team mate Vinod Kambli.

When he was 14, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar a great Indian batsman of that time, gave him a pair of his own light pads. This touching gesture greatly encouraged the budding cricketer, who 20 years later broke Gavaskar’s world record of 34 Test centuries.

In 1988, when he was just under 16, he scored 100 not out in for Bombay against Gujrat. This was on his first-class debut. He then scored a century in his first appearance in the Deodhar and Duleep Trophy. Mumbai captain Dilip Vengsarkar picked him up after seeing him batting Kapil Dev in the nets. That season he was Bombay’s highest run-getter. In the Irani Trophy final, He made an unbeaten century. He scored a century in all three of his Irani Trophy, Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy debuts, and became the first player to do so. He was selected for the tour of Pakistan next year.

At the very young age of 16, Sachin played his first Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989. In this Test, he received several blows to his body at the hands of Waqar Younis, a pace bowler. He made just 15 runs. In the last test in Sialkot, he had a bloody nose from a bouncer, but he went on playing. He scored better in the subsequent games, scoring 53 runs of 18 balls at Peshawar.


In the 1990 Test in England he scored a century at Old Trafford. The English were highly impressed by his disciplined display of immense maturity. He played many types of strokes. His off-side shots from the back foot greatly impressed the English. Though short in height, he confidently faced short deliveries from the English pace bowlers. His great performance made him look the embodiment of Gavaskar, India’s former famous opener.

During the 1991-1992 tour of Australia Tendulkar scored and unbeaten 148 in Sydney and another century on a bouncing pitch a Perth.

At the age of 19, Tendulkar was in England, playing for Yorkshire in 1992. He scored 1070 runs at an average of 45.25 while playing for the English county as the first overseas player.


In the 2003 Cricket World Cup, he made 673 runs in 11 matches which enabled India reach the final. Although Australia won the trophy Tendulkar was given the Man of the Tournament award.

Shortly after this Tendulkar developed a tennis elbow and he was out of cricket for a while. But by 2005, he was back in form. He played well against Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Tendulkar performed very well against Bangla Desh and he was adjudged the Man of the Series in the Future Cup against South Africa.

Today Tendulkar is a national icon to fans all over the world. He is the most worshipped cricketer in the world. Tendulkar has been granted the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Padma Vibhushan by the Indian government.

Personal Life

In 1995, Sachin married Anjali, a doctor and the daughter of Gujarati industrialist Anand Mehta. They have two children, Sara and Arjun. Tendulkar now sponsors 200 underprivileged children every year through a Mumbai-based NGO.