Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the "God of Cricket," is one of the most beloved and accomplished cricketers in the history of the sport. He is the leading run-scorer in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket, and his records and achievements have cemented his status as a legend in the game.
Early Life and Career
Sachin Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, India. He started playing cricket at a young age and was trained by his older brother, Ajit Tendulkar. Sachin was only 11 years old when he was selected to play for the Mumbai cricket team's under-15 squad.
In 1988, at the age of 15, Sachin made his debut for the Indian cricket team in a Test match against Pakistan. Although he did not have a great debut, he showed enough potential to earn a spot in the Indian team for their tour of England the following year.
Early on in his career, Sachin was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to score runs quickly. He quickly established himself as one of the most promising young players in the game.
Rise to Fame
Sachin's breakthrough year came in 1990 when he scored his first Test century against England at Old Trafford. He followed that up with another century in the next Test match, becoming the second-youngest player to score two Test centuries.
Over the next few years, Sachin continued to improve and established himself as one of the best batsmen in the world. He became the first player to score 10,000 runs in ODIs and was also the first player to score 50 Test centuries.
In 2003, Sachin achieved a milestone that had eluded him for years. He scored his first Test double century against Australia in Sydney, becoming only the third player in history to achieve the feat.
Records and Achievements
Sachin Tendulkar's career is full of records and achievements. Here are just a few of his most notable accomplishments:
He is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket, with 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches.
He is also the leading run-scorer in ODI cricket, with 18,426 runs in 463 matches.
Sachin is the only player to score 100 international centuries (51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs).
He has been awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award three times (in 1997, 1999, and 2002).
Sachin was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2014.
Retirement
Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from cricket in November 2013, after playing his 200th and final Test match against the West Indies in Mumbai. His retirement was an emotional moment for cricket fans around the world, who had followed his career for over two decades.
Legacy
Sachin Tendulkar's legacy in cricket is undeniable. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time and has inspired countless young players to take up the sport. His records and achievements are a testament to his skill and dedication, and his impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.
