From a 16-year-old debut under fire to 100 international centuries and a World Cup win โ the arc of India's greatest cricketer.
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Sachin Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. At 15, he scored a century on his first-class debut for Bombay in the Ranji Trophy on December 11, 1988. He made his Test debut for India against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989, at just 16. Over a career spanning 24 years, he played 200 Test matches, scoring 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, with 51 centuries โ the most in Test history at retirement. He also became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries on March 16, 2012. Tendulkar captained India from 1996 to 2000 and won the ICC Cricket World Cup on April 2, 2011. He retired on November 16, 2013, after his 200th Test. Post-retirement, he received the Bharat Ratna in 2014 and served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2012 to 2018.
Tendulkar's journey began in Mumbai's Sahitya Sahawas colony. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, a Marathi novelist, and his brother Ajit Tendulkar, who first spotted his talent, played key roles. Coach Ramakant Achrekar recognized his potential early. At 15 years and 232 days, Tendulkar scored 100 not out on his first-class debut for Bombay against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy on December 11, 1988 โ the youngest to do so. This innings caught the national selectors' attention.
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Tendulkar's success was built on relentless practice and a fierce desire to improve. As a boy, he would spend hours at the nets under coach Ramakant Achrekar, often batting till dusk. His first-class debut century at 15 was no fluke โ it came after years of disciplined training. Even after his Test debut, he faced hostile bowling from Pakistan's pace attack, including a famous bouncer from Waqar Younis that bloodied his nose. Instead of backing down, he continued to bat, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike.
When Tendulkar retired in 2013, he held the record for most Test runs (15,921) and most international centuries (100). Today, while some records have been surpassed โ Virat Kohli has more ODI centuries โ Tendulkar's 51 Test centuries stood as a benchmark for 14 years until Kohli equaled it in 2023. His 200 Test matches remain a world record. The Bharat Ratna in 2014 made him the first sportsperson to receive India's highest civilian honor, cementing his status beyond cricket.
Tendulkar's career coincided with India's rise as a cricketing powerhouse. His World Cup win in 2011 on home soil, at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, was a national catharsis โ he had carried the hopes of a billion people for over two decades. For young Indians, he was proof that hard work and humility could lead to greatness. His retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers.
Sachin Tendulkar's story is not just about cricket โ it's about how a boy from Mumbai became a symbol of national pride. His 24-year career bridged generations, from the era of black-and-white television to the age of social media. He showed that talent, when combined with discipline, can transcend sport. Today, his records may fall, but his impact on Indian cricket and culture remains unmatched. He is not just a cricketer; he is a chapter in India's modern history.
Chronology
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At just 16 years old, Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi. He faced a fearsome bowling attack led by Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, scoring 15 runs before being dismissed. The hostile atmosphere and high-pressure environment forged his resilience early on.
Tendulkar scored his maiden Test century against England at Old Trafford, becoming the second-youngest to achieve the feat. The innings was marked by exquisite stroke play and composure beyond his years, announcing his arrival on the world stage.
In the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup, Tendulkar played two iconic knocks against Australia in Sharjah, including 143 off 131 balls in a sandstorm-affected match. His mastery of spin and pace in challenging conditions cemented his reputation as a genius.
Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score a double century in One Day Internationals, reaching 200 not out against South Africa in Gwalior. The innings showcased his ability to accelerate without taking risks, redefining limited-overs batting.
India won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, with Tendulkar playing a crucial role throughout the tournament. The victory fulfilled his lifelong dream and was an emotional climax to his career, as teammates carried him on their shoulders at Wankhede Stadium.
After a record-breaking 24-year career, Tendulkar retired from all forms of international cricket in November 2013. He played his 200th and final Test match in Mumbai, leaving with 100 international centuries and 34,357 runs โ the most in history.
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