Imagine a young boy with a dream, a passion for cricket, and an unwavering determination to excel. That boy, hailing from the bustling streets of Mumbai, would go on to become a legend in the world of cricket, capturing the hearts of millions around the globe with his unmatched talent and sheer love for the game. With a career spanning over two decades, he has broken records and left an indelible mark on the sport’s history. He is the “God of Cricket” – a name that resonates with cricket aficionados and inspires awe in the hearts of fans worldwide. He is Sachin Tendulkar.
Gulu Ezekiel’s book Sachin: The Story of the World’s Greatest Batsman traces the life and achievements of Sachin Tendulkar. He has made more than 33,000 runs in international cricket, which is the highest number of runs to be scored by any cricketer. Dive into this excerpt and find out another reason that makes him the greatest batsman.
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A lot happened between March 2012 and November 2013 in the life and times of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
First came his much-awaited 100th international century (Tests and ODIs combined) in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on March 16. That was followed 20 months later by his final match in India colours, the second and final Test versus West Indies at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
It was the 200th Test match of his career, a landmark that had never been achieved before. But there was plenty of action and drama in between as well. This included being a member of the Mumbai Indians squad under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma that won the IPL title for the first time in May 2013.
But back to March 2012…it was just over a year since his previous international century which had come in Nagpur against South Africa in the World Cup. The lean trot ended after 33 innings without a ton and a hugely relieved Tendulkar said after his century: “Dreams do come true. We won the World Cup after 28 years last year.”
The media and public were seemingly hanging on to his every inning and run as the team Down Under slid from one massive defeat to another in 2011-12 as the New Year unfolded.
By the end of the fourth and final Test at Adelaide, the rout was complete. India was whitewashed 4-0 just as they had been in the summer of 2011 in England. Eight overseas Test defeats in a row—Indian cricket had sunk to a new low and the fans were livid.
But the 100th century helped erase all that as the nation and the cricket world celebrated.
Tendulkar’s 51st Test century had come in the third Test against South Africa at Cape Town in January 2011. It would be the last Test 100 of his career. By the start of his final Test in November 2013 against West Indies in Mumbai he had gone 39 innings without another hundred.
The penultimate Test was at Kolkata. It was over in just three days, India winning by an innings with Tendulkar out for 10.
The circus moved onto its final leg in Mumbai. The whole city was agog and there was a mad rush for tickets. Finally, the day dawned, November 14, 2013. West Indies were asked to bat and collapsed for a measly 182. The crowd was buzzing. Would they get a chance to see their hero bat on the first day itself?
The moment arrived at the fall of the second wicket. At precisely 3.35 pm all eyes in the stadium turned to watch Tendulkar exit the dressing room to come out to bat in what would be his final time.
By stumps on the first day, India reached 157 for two, Tendulkar on 38 from 73 balls.
Overnight the frenzy built up to fever pitch. Could Tendulkar bow out in style with a century? There was massive anticipation and excitement on the second morning as he reached his fifty.
But it was too good to last. The first over after the drinks break marked one hour of play and Tendulkar was gone for 74, caught Darren Sammy bowled Narsingh Deonarine. The dream was over…unless India and The Hero batted a second time.
That was not to be. India piled up 495, a massive lead of 313 runs. West Indies’ second innings was only marginally better, 187 all out and the Test was done and dusted by the third day.
As the last wicket fell, Tendulkar threw up his arms in joy, grabbed a souvenir stump and hugged everyone including the umpires. The Indian team gave him a running guard of honour as he left the field of play for the final time in India colours. The West Indians came onto the field to shake his hand. Fireworks were set off and the presentation ceremony was set up. Once the tedious formalities were completed, the chants of ‘Sachin Sachin’ which echoed around grounds worldwide for over two decades reached a crescendo. It was time for the farewell speech.
With him was a list of people to thank. No one was forgotten. Watching on wife Anjali and children Sara and Arjun were in tears. In fact, there was not a dry eye in the house.
It was announced the government was conferring the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna on Tendulkar, the first sportsperson to receive it. And while he keeps himself busy with his charitable foundation and sports management agency, perhaps nothing could have given him more joy than seeing his son Arjun score a century on his first-class debut for Goa versus Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy at Porvorim on December 14, 2022, thereby emulating his proud father.
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Become a fan of Sachin Tendulkar by getting a copy of Sachin: The Story of the World’s Greatest Batsman from Amazon.