- Full Name: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
- Nickname(s): Master Blaster, Little Master, God of Cricket
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1973
- Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Former Cricketer
- Batting Style: Right-Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm Medium, Leg Break, Off Break
- Role in Team: Batsman
- Net Worth:1250 crore
Early Life & Education:
Mumbai is where Sachin Tendulkar was born into a Marathi Brahmin family. His mother, Rajni Tendulkar, was employed at an insurance business, while his father, Ramesh Tendulkar, was a well-known Marathi author.
Since Sachin was a lively and naughty boy, his older brother Ajit Tendulkar introduced him to cricket when he was eleven years old. He trained in Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai, under coach Ramakant Achrekar. From a young age, his potential was apparent, and he advanced swiftly through the school and domestic cricket divisions.
Cricket Career:
Debut Matches:
- Ranji Trophy Debut: 1988 (for Mumbai) – Scored a century in his debut match
- Test Debut: November 15, 1989, against Pakistan (at age 16)
- ODI Debut: December 18, 1989, against Pakistan
Major Achievements & Records:
- Only cricketer to score 100 international centuries (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs)
- First batsman to score a double century in ODIs (200* vs South Africa in 2010)
- Most runs in international cricket – Over 34,000 runs across formats
- Most runs in Test cricket – 15,921 runs in 200 matches
- Most runs in ODIs – 18,426 runs in 463 matches
- Only player to play six Cricket World Cups (1992–2011)
- Part of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning team
International Career Highlights
- Sachin made his international debut in 1989 at just 16 years of age against Pakistan. Facing legendary bowlers like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram was a challenge, but he impressed everyone with his resilience.
- First Test Century: He scored his maiden Test hundred in 1990 against England at Old Trafford, saving the match for India.
- Captaincy: Although Tendulkar was appointed captain twice, in 1996 and 1999, the team didn’t perform well under his leadership. He later passed the captaincy to Sourav Ganguly.
World Cup Journey:
- Sachin played in 6 World Cups from 1992 to 2011.
- His dream came true when India won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.
- He was the highest run-scorer in the 2003 World Cup, winning the Player of the Tournament award.
Memorable Performances:
- 241 vs Australia (Sydney, 2004)* – Known for his patience, avoiding cover drives after repeated dismissals in previous innings.
- 200 vs South Africa (Gwalior, 2010)* – First-ever double century in ODIs.
- 98 vs Pakistan (2003 World Cup) – A match-winning knock against one of India’s biggest rivals.
- 175 vs Australia (Hyderabad, 2009) – One of his best ODI innings despite India losing the match.
Retirement:
- ODI Retirement: December 23, 2012
- Test Retirement: November 16, 2013 (His 200th Test match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
- T20 Retirement: 2006
Fans and players honoured his amazing career during his final international match, which was an emotional occasion.
Personal Life:
Father: Ramesh Tendulkar (Marathi novelist)
Mother: Rajni Tendulkar (Worked in an insurance company)
Siblings:
- Ajit Tendulkar (Elder Brother, mentor in his early career)
- Nitin Tendulkar (Elder Brother)
- Savita Tendulkar (Elder Sister)
Wife: Anjali Tendulkar (Doctor, married in 1995)
Children:
- Daughter: Sara Tendulkar
- Son: Arjun Tendulkar (Cricketer, all-rounder)
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 62 kg (137 lbs)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Black
Playing Style and Technique
- Tendulkar was known for his flawless technique and adaptability to all forms of the game.
- His signature shots included the straight drive, the cover drive, and the paddle sweep.
- He was capable of playing both defensively and aggressively, adjusting his style depending on the situation.
He handled some of the fastest bowlers in the world, including Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, and Shoaib Akhtar, with ease.
Awards & Honors:
- Bharat Ratna (2014) – India’s highest civilian award (Youngest recipient)
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (1997–98) – India’s highest sporting honor
- Padma Shri (1999) – Fourth highest civilian award in India
- Padma Vibhushan (2008) – Second highest civilian award in India
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1997)
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2010)
- Arjuna Award (1994)
Post-Retirement Life:
- Became a Rajya Sabha Member (2012-2018)
- Launched the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation to support underprivileged children
- Mentored Mumbai Indians (IPL)
- Involved in business ventures like Sachin’s Blasters (T20 League) and various brand endorsements
Legacy & Influence:
Most people agree that Sachin Tendulkar is the best batsman in cricket history. Millions of people are still motivated by his commitment, modesty, and sportsmanship. He continues to have a significant impact on Indian cricket and other sports even after retiring.
