For over 20 years, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar captivated the hearts of hundreds of millions of cricket enthusiasts thanks to his out-of-the-world batting capabilities, unflinching determination & dedication, and, most importantly, his sheer passion for the Gentleman’s Game. Throughout his excellent career, Sachin remained a highly sought-after choice in fantasy cricket games, which to date, is one of the many solid demonstrations of his popularity and skill.
Besides having many nicknames, the legendary player is also referred to by millions as the “God of Cricket.” Although the title is known by everyone, most do not know the reason behind it. To understand the reason, it is important to know about the legend’s career and numerous related aspects. So, without further ado, let us dive right into it:
Sachin Tendulkar’s Cricket Journey – An Overview:
- Sachin’s First Step into Domestic Cricket:
Due to displaying excellent performances consistently, Sachin Tendulkar got selected to represent Bombay in the renowned Ranji Trophy tournament in 1987. At the time, the soon-to-be prodigy was merely 14 years old.
- The Legend’s Debut in International Cricket:
After multiple notable performances in domestic cricket, talk around the talk was that he was ready to play internationally. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, he was picked in India’s playing squad which toured Pakistan in 1989.
This is how Tendulkar made his international cricket debut for India in 1989 at just 16 years old and played against one of the best cricket teams in the world at the time.
- His International Cricket Career – A Brief Look
At the time of his debut, little did anyone know that the little kid from Bombay would go on to have perhaps the most successful career in cricket spanning over 24 years. Here is a look at his international career stats:
| Format | Matches Played | Total Runs | Average | Centuries | Half Centuries |
| Test | 200 Matches | 15,921 | 53.78 | 51 | 68 |
| ODI | 463 Matches | 18,426 | 44.83 | 49 | 96 |
| T20I | 1 Match | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
Besides being a prominent test cricket player, the right-handed batsman was an equally-stellar ODI player. Although Sachin could not leave a mark of prominence in T20s internationally since he only played one match, he proved his caliber as a T20 batsman in the Indian Premier League.
Records and Achievements of Sachin Tendulkar:
Besides having top-tier career statistics, Sachin Tendulkar also created waves by registering his name on several records and feats. Here is a look at a few of the many of SRT’s impeccable records and achievements:
- ODIs:
- Most centuries – 49
- Most half-centuries – 96
- Highest run scorer of all time – 18,426
- Most appearances in ODIs – 463 matches
- Most MoM Titles – 62
- Most MoS Titles – 15
- Test Cricket:
- Most centuries – 51
- Highest run scorer of all time – 15,921 runs
- Most overseas test hundreds – 29
- Most appearances in test matches – 200 matches
- Most fours – 2058+
- Awards:
- Arjuna Award Recipient (Nominated for Achievement in the Field of Cricket) – 1994
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year – 1997
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – 1997/1998
- Padma Shri – 1999
- Maharashtra Bhushan Award – 2001
- Padma Vibhushan – 2008
Tendulkar’s Impact on Cricket:
Thanks to his accolades on and off the field, Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as one of the, if not the greatest, cricketers of all time. However, besides Tendulkar’s exceptional records in his career, he has left his mark on the sport in numerous other ways. Here is how:
- An Inspiration for Millions:
Sachin’s remarkable 24-year career in International cricket was not only filled with high points like winning civilian and cricket awards, or prestigious tournaments like the World Cup in 2011. He also experienced and lived through many low points.
Very few know that he battled anxiety for 10 to 12 years in his career. Moreover, he lived through and bounced back from the worst phase of his life in 2007, which included getting ousted from the World Cup in the first round of play.
However, he overcame all obstacles by working hard to move closer to the greatness he was destined for. To conclude, his journey filled with both highs and lows, has and will continue to inspire millions globally, including the upcoming generations of cricketers.
- A Global Icon:
In addition to serving as an inspiration, Tendulkar has global appeal, i.e., despite being retired for over a decade now, he is still one of the most popular sports personalities in the world. His popularity and immeasurable success have truly helped make cricket a global game. To date, many people recognize India as the country or place where the great Sachin Tendulkar hails from.
The Legacy of Sachin Tendulkar:
As a young batsman, he played against many exceptional bowlers, including the likes of Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Brett Lee, etc., with finesse. As the team grew stronger over time, Tendulkar continued to shine, helping India reach the 2003 World Cup final.
Despite injuries and setbacks, he constantly adapted his game and achieved numerous milestones, including the first ODI double-century and being ranked No.1 in the ICC Test rankings at the age of 38. In 2011, Tendulkar’s dream of winning the World Cup came true, and he retired in 2013, leaving a legacy that immortalizes his name in the world of cricket.
Conclusion – Why Sachin is the God of Cricket:
Sachin Tendulkar is the epitome of the fact that no dream is too big to achieve and no journey is impossible to embark on and successfully complete if an individual has enough dedication and willingness to succeed.
His achievements, the impact he has had on the game, and, most importantly, the legacy that he has left behind are a few of the many reasons why Sachin Tendulkar is known as the “God of Cricket.”