Almost 24 years ago (on November 15 1989) a cherubic 16-year-old cricketer named Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan in Karachi.
About a quarter century later, as he steps onto his home turf of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to play his 200th and last test match (beginning on November 14, 2013), he bears the title as one of the greatest cricketers in the world.
Tendulkar holds the world record for maximum number of One Day International and Test match runs. He has also been a part of the World Cup winning squad, while his Mumbai Indians side has won an Indian Premier League title.
He has scored runs under all conditions of the game and on all kinds of surfaces across the globe.
Tendulkar has tackled the best of bowlers, fast and spin – with aplomb.
Auckland will always find a special mention in his cricketing life, as it was in 1994 at Eden Park that he opened batting in One Day Internationals. Following that match, his career scaled greater heights.
Aside from these phenomenal achievements, his greatest attribute has been to become a role model for generations of youngsters worldwide.
Inspirational player
Tendulkar has become the inspirational figure to all budding cricketers.
His superb batting technique and temperament, and his good conduct on and off the field has made him a legend.
He has demonstrated that talent, relentless hard work and lofty aims will not go unrecognised or unrewarded. Going out to bat with hopes and aspirations of millions of supporters around the globe can wear down the best of cricketers; but not Tendulkar. He has always manfully toiled and delivered victory for Team India from the most precarious of situations.
Clean record
Indian cricket was rocked by match-fixing allegations in 2000, with players implicated, resulting in erosion of faith in the game. It was Tendulkar, along with other senior cricketers including Saurav Ganguly who helped rebuild the team, and restore the confidence of the cricket followers.
He has also used his celebrity status to promote charitable causes, and endorse programmes for social welfare.
The only disappointment in Tendulkar’s illustrious career has been his captaincy record. However, as the genius returns to the pavilion permanently, the world of Cricket would become poorer.
But his amazing career in Cricket will be cherished for ever.
Photo : Sachin Tendulkar
