Sachin Tendulkar, Indian cricketer

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar AO BR, born on April 24, 1973, and famously pronounced [sət͡ʃin t̪eːɳɖulkəɾ], stands as one of the most iconic figures in the history of cricket. This Indian former international cricketer, who also had the distinction of captaining the Indian national team, is universally celebrated as one of the greatest batsmen the game has ever witnessed.

His extraordinary journey in cricket began at the tender age of eleven, a passion that quickly blossomed into a remarkable career. By the time he was sixteen, on November 15, 1989, Tendulkar made his much-anticipated Test match debut against Pakistan in Karachi, a moment that marked the beginning of an illustrious career. For nearly twenty-four years, he dedicated himself to the sport, representing Mumbai in domestic cricket and proudly donning the Indian colours on the international stage, captivating audiences worldwide with his unparalleled skill and dedication.

A Legacy Forged on the Pitch

Midway through his phenomenal career, in 2002, the prestigious Wisden Cricketers' Almanack solidified his standing in the sport by ranking him as the second-greatest Test batsman of all time, an honour placing him just behind the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. Simultaneously, Wisden also recognized his prowess in the limited-overs format, naming him the second-greatest One Day International (ODI) batsman of all time, behind the formidable Viv Richards. His career was also punctuated by a long-cherished dream coming true when he was an integral part of the Indian team that lifted the 2011 Cricket World Cup trophy. This victory was particularly poignant, as it marked his first World Cup win in his six appearances for India. Earlier in his career, his exceptional performance in the 2003 edition of the tournament earned him the coveted "Player of the Tournament" award, highlighting his consistent brilliance.

A Shower of Honours and Recognitions

Sachin Tendulkar's profound impact and outstanding achievements transcended the boundaries of the cricket field, earning him a multitude of prestigious awards and honours from the Indian government and international bodies. In 1994, he received the Arjuna Award for his sporting excellence, followed by the Khel Ratna Award in 1997, which stands as India's highest sporting honour. His contributions were further recognized with two of India's highest civilian awards: the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. The ultimate civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was bestowed upon him in November 2013, mere hours after he played his final match. This made him not only the youngest recipient to date but also the first sportsperson ever to receive this esteemed award. Beyond these, in 2010, Time magazine featured him in its annual Time 100 list, acknowledging him as one of the world's most influential people. The same year, his exceptional performance was recognised globally when he was awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for cricketer of the year at the 2010 ICC Awards. His influence also extended into public life when he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India, in 2012.

Retirement and Enduring Legacy

Sachin Tendulkar concluded his illustrious ODI career in 2012, and subsequently retired from all forms of cricket in November 2013, marking the occasion with his monumental 200th Test match. Throughout his incredible journey, he played a staggering 664 international cricket matches, amassing an unprecedented total of 34,357 runs, a testament to his longevity, skill, and consistency. In 2013, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, he was deservedly included in an all-time Test World XI, notably being the only post-war batsman alongside Viv Richards to feature in this elite team. His unparalleled contributions to the sport were further cemented in 2019 when he was formally inducted into the prestigious ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.

FAQs About Sachin Tendulkar

When was Sachin Tendulkar born?
Sachin Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973.
When did Sachin Tendulkar make his Test debut?
He made his Test match debut on November 15, 1989, against Pakistan in Karachi.
How long did Sachin Tendulkar play international cricket?
He represented India internationally for close to twenty-four years.
What major awards has Sachin Tendulkar received from the Indian government?
He received the Arjuna Award (1994), Khel Ratna Award (1997), Padma Shri (1999), Padma Vibhushan (2008), and the Bharat Ratna (2013), India's highest civilian honour.
Was Sachin Tendulkar part of an Indian World Cup-winning team?
Yes, he was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
How many international matches did Sachin Tendulkar play and how many runs did he score?
He played 664 international cricket matches in total, scoring 34,357 runs.
When did Sachin Tendulkar retire from all forms of cricket?
He retired from all forms of cricket in November 2013 after playing his 200th Test match.
Is Sachin Tendulkar in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019.