Sachin Tendulkar
Born April 24, 1973
Sachin Tendulkar is widely considered the greatest batsman in the history of cricket. The Indian right-handed batsman debuted at sixteen and retired twenty-four years later as the only player to score 100 international centuries — a record that may stand permanently. In India, he is known simply as the "Master Blaster" or the "God of Cricket."
Mumbai Prodigy
Born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai (then Bombay), Maharashtra, India, Tendulkar showed extraordinary cricket ability from childhood. Coached by the legendary Ramakant Achrekar at Shardashram Vidyamandir school, he set the record for the highest partnership in the history of Mumbai's school cricket alongside his teammate Vinod Kambli — a partnership of 664 runs in 1988. The record stood for years and attracted national attention to the teenage prodigy.
In November 1989, at age sixteen and 205 days, Tendulkar made his Test cricket debut for India against Pakistan — one of the earliest and most celebrated Test debuts in history. On a spiteful Karachi pitch against a hostile Pakistani bowling attack, he was struck on the face by a fast delivery from Waqar Younis (also making his debut). A teammate offered to allow Tendulkar to retire hurt. Tendulkar declined, remained at the crease, and scored 15 vital runs — announcing to the world a competitive temperament as extraordinary as his technical skill.
Records and World Cup Glory
Over 24 years at the highest level, Tendulkar broke virtually every batting record in cricket. He played 200 Test matches (scoring 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78) and 463 One Day International matches (18,426 runs at 44.83) — all career records that the next generation will struggle to approach. His 100 international centuries — 51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs — is a milestone so remote from second place that it may never be surpassed.
His most poignant achievement came in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, when India defeated Sri Lanka in the final to lift the World Cup — the one major trophy that had eluded Tendulkar throughout his career. Teammates who had grown up idolizing him carried him on their shoulders around the field. He said afterward that the moment meant more to him than all his individual records combined.
Did You Know?
Tendulkar is the only cricketer to have received the Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honor — and the only one to receive it while still an active player. The honor, announced in 2014, represents the peak of recognition for any Indian citizen, placing Tendulkar in the company of scientists, independence leaders, and Mother Teresa.
Legacy and Life After Cricket
Tendulkar retired from all forms of cricket in November 2013, his farewell Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai watched by 33,000 tearful supporters. He was elected a member of the Rajya Sabha (India's upper house of parliament) and has devoted much time to charitable causes and cricket development. He co-owns the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise and serves as an ambassador for multiple global brands and health initiatives. Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019, he is universally regarded as the sport's greatest practitioner. His autobiography Playing It My Way remains the definitive account of a singular life in sport.