On 24th April, 44 years ago the world was blessed with the birth of a man whose name has become synchronous with cricket, so much so that, in every match come forward, he will be remembered. And though many players are claimed to have similarities in their style of play, no one can come close to what he has done for Indian cricket and what he has achieved for himself. So on his birthday, let’s take a look back at Sachin Tendulkar’s greatest hits that rocked our worlds, literally.
#1. When He Created His First Ever World Record
1988 – Partnership of 664 runs
Sachin Tendulkar, fondly called Tendlya and still, two months shy of 15; along with Vinod Kambli, then 16, beat Palton and Rippon’s record of 641 runs. Sachin (326 not out) and Vinod (349 not out) in the ‘Harris Shield’ semi-final played at Sassanian ground at Azad Maidan. This partnership introduced the world to the soon to become ‘The God’ for cricket lovers.
#2. When Even His Father’s Sudden Demise didn’t stop his Century
1999 – 140/101 balls
After losing the match against South Africa in the World Cup 1999, Sachin had to return home because of his father’s sudden demise. After completing his duties towards his father, Sachin, without stopping for a breather, flew right back to do his duty for the nation. It was India Vs Kenya and what a match it was! It felt as though, India found its lost spirit and won the match with 329 for 2. Sachin not only, scored the first ton of the World Cup, but was also named the Man of the Match.
#3. When True Love Conquered All
1995 – Married Dr. Anjali Mehta
Defying the societal norms, on 25th May 1995, Sachin and Anjali married each other despite the fact that Anjali was 6 years older to him. After 5 years of dating and 22 years of marriage, they are still together and happily married.
#4. When Sandstorm hit the Aussies
1998 - Twin centuries in Sharjah
The historic 'sandstorm' knock of 143 against the Aussies, in order to qualify India for the tri-series is considered as one of the greatest in ODI history. But wait, it doesn’t end here. Two days later, on his 25th birthday, he hit another back-to-back majestic century against Australia in the finals leading India to victory.
#5. When the Tennis elbow led to retirement pressure
2004-06 – A tense and unsure period.
Sachin was suffering from a tennis elbow injury and was MIA for plenty of matches. For Sachin, this injury was turning to be career-threatening and for his fans, it was heart-breaking. But it still wasn’t time for him to leave, yet.
#6. When he finally did bid his Adieu to Cricket
16th November 2013 – 200th and final Test Match
The crowd was hooting and crying and maddening with despair, for they would never again see the Master Blaster smash another century. Sachin, trying and failing to get through his speech in full composure in his home ground - Wankhede. And just like that, an era had come to an end. It might have been the saddest, yet the greatest moment in the History of World Cricket.
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