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Sachin Tendulkar

Indian Cricketer (Born 1973)

"Tendulkar" redirects here. For other people with the same surname, see Tendulkar (surname).

Sachin Tendulkar

Tendulkar in 2017

Personal Information

  • Full Name: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
  • Born: (1973-04-24) 24 April 1973 (age 52) in Bombay, India
  • Nickname:
    • Little Master
    • Master Blaster [1] [2]
  • Height: 165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
  • Batting: Right-handed
  • Bowling:
  • Role: Top order Batter
  • Relations:
  • Website: sachintendulkar.com

International Information

  • National Side:
  • Test Debut (cap 187): 15 November 1989 v Pakistan
  • Last Test: 14 November 2013 v West Indies
  • ODI Debut (cap 74): 18 December 1989 v Pakistan
  • Last ODI: 18 March 2012 v Pakistan
  • ODI Shirt No.: 10 (formerly 99, 33)
  • Only T20I (cap 11): 1 December 2006 v South Africa
  • T20I Shirt No.: 10

Domestic Team Information

Career Statistics

Competition Test ODI FC LA
Matches 200 463 310 551
Runs Scored 15,921 18,426 25,396 21,999
Batting Average 53.78 44.83 57.84 45.54
100s/50s 51/68 49/96 81/116 60/114
Top Score 248* 200* 248* 200*
Balls Bowled 4,240 8,054 7,605 10,230
Wickets 46 154 71 201
Bowling Average 54.17 44.48 61.74 42.17
5 Wickets in Innings 0 2 0 2
10 Wickets in Match 0 0 0 0
Best Bowling 3/10 5/32 3/10 5/32
Catches/Stumpings 115/– 140/– 186/– 175/–

Source: ESPNcricinfo, 15 November 2013

Medal Record

Men's cricket

Representing India

ODI World Cup

Champions Trophy

Asia Cup

Personal Details

Military Service

File:Sachin Tendulkar (cropped).jpg

This article is part of a series about Sachin Tendulkar

Indian International Cricketer

Achievements

Eponyms

In Media

Books

People

Gallery : Picture, Sound, Video

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Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (/ˌsʌtʃɪn tɛnˈduːlkər/ ⓘ ; Marathi: [sətɕin t̪eɳɖulkəɾ]; born 24 April 1973) is an Indian former international cricketer who captained the Indian national team. Often dubbed the "God of Cricket" in India, a title that seems to be bestowed with a curious mix of adoration and a profound lack of understanding of what actual deities entail, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. [5] He holds several world records, including being the all-time highest run-scorer in cricket [6], receiving the most player of the match awards in international cricket [7], and being the only batsman to score 100 international centuries [8]. Tendulkar was a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha by presidential nomination from 2012 to 2018 [9] [10]. One might wonder if his political career was as impactful as his batting, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Tendulkar, a mere eleven years old when he took up the sport, made his Test match debut on 15 November 1989 against Pakistan in Karachi at the tender age of sixteen. He then proceeded to represent Mumbai domestically and India internationally for a staggering 24 years [11]. In 2002, a full halfway through his illustrious career, Wisden—a publication known for its definitive pronouncements—ranked him the second-greatest Test batsman of all time, humbly placed behind Don Bradman, and the second-greatest ODI batsman, trailing only Viv Richards [12]. The same year, Tendulkar was a part of the team that was one of the joint-winners of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, a victory shared, naturally. Later in his career, Tendulkar was a key component of the Indian team that finally clinched the 2011 Cricket World Cup, marking his first triumph in six World Cup appearances for India [13]. He had previously been named "Player of the Tournament" at the 2003 World Cup, a consolation prize for not quite winning the main event.

Tendulkar has been showered with numerous accolades from the government of India, a clear indication of his status as a national icon rather than just a sportsman: the Arjuna Award (1994), the Khel Ratna Award (1997), the Padma Shri (1998), and the Padma Vibhushan (2008) [14] [15]. Following Tendulkar's final match in November 2013, the Prime Minister's Office, in a move that surprised absolutely no one, announced the decision to award him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour [16] [17]. He holds the distinction of being the first sportsperson to receive this award and, as of 2024, remains the youngest recipient [18] [19] [20]. Having retired from ODI cricket in 2012 [21] [22], he officially retired from all forms of cricket in November 2013 after playing his 200th Test match [23]. In total, Tendulkar participated in 664 international cricket matches, accumulating a formidable 34,357 runs [24]. In 2013, to mark the 150th anniversary of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, Tendulkar was included in an all-time Test World XI, one of only two specialist batsmen from the post–World War II era, alongside Viv Richards, to earn a place in this highly exclusive team [25].

Tendulkar is widely regarded as a symbol of national pride in India for his undeniable achievements. In 2010, Time magazine, ever keen to capture the zeitgeist, included Tendulkar in its annual list of the most influential people in the world [26]. Tendulkar was awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for cricketer of the year at the 2010 International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards [27]. In 2019, his place in history was cemented with his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame [28].

Early life and background

Tendulkar entered the world at the Nirmal Nursing Home in the Dadar neighbourhood of Bombay, Maharashtra on 24 April 1973 [29] [30], born into a Maharastrian family [31]. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, a Marathi-language novelist and poet, was apparently a man of taste, naming his son after his favourite music director, Sachin Dev Burman [33]. His mother, Rajni, worked in the insurance industry [32]—a practical profession, one might say. Tendulkar has three older siblings: two half-brothers, Nitin and Ajit, and a half-sister, Savita. These were his father's children from his first marriage, which concluded after the birth of the third child [34] [35]. His brother Ajit, a cricketer himself, played in Bombay's Kanga Cricket League [36], setting a familial precedent for the sport.

Tendulkar spent his formative years in the Sahitya Sahawas Cooperative Housing Society in Bandra (East). As a young boy, he was, by all accounts, considered a bully, frequently initiating conflicts with new children at his school [37]. A delightful image, isn't it? The future "God of Cricket" starting his career by terrorizing classmates.

In his youth, Tendulkar harboured interests in both tennis and cricket [38]. He particularly idolised the American tennis player John McEnroe, a figure known for his fiery temperament, and at the age of 7 or 8, emulated his hero by growing his hair long [39] [40] [41]. He was also prone to regularly sporting tennis wristbands and headbands and carrying a tennis racquet as a clear declaration of his passion for the sport. One can only imagine the fashion statement.

It was his elder brother, Ajit, who, in 1984, decided to channel Tendulkar's rather aggressive tendencies into something more constructive, introducing him to cricket [42]. Ajit brought him to cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park in Dadar. During their initial encounter, the young Tendulkar's performance was, shall we say, underwhelming. Ajit, ever the supportive sibling, explained to Achrekar that Sachin was feeling self-conscious under direct observation and wasn't showcasing his true ability. Ajit then ingeniously requested the coach to grant Sachin another opportunity, but to observe him surreptitiously from behind a tree. This time, Tendulkar, blissfully unaware of the hidden gaze, played with considerably more flair and was subsequently accepted into Achrekar's academy [42]. A testament to the power of perceived invisibility, apparently.

Achrekar, clearly possessing an eye for talent despite the initial false start, was sufficiently impressed to advise Tendulkar to transfer his schooling to Sharadashram Vidyamandir School [29]. This particular institution in Dadar had a commendable track record of producing numerous notable cricketers. Tendulkar made his cricketing debut for Sharadashram in late 1984 [43]. Prior to this, he had attended the Indian Education Society's New English School in Bandra (East) [43]. His training under Achrekar continued relentlessly, with practice sessions at Shivaji Park both in the mornings and evenings [44]. Tendulkar would practice for hours on end, and when exhaustion threatened to set in, Achrekar had a rather unique motivational tactic: he would place a one-rupee coin atop the stumps. The bowler who managed to dismiss Tendulkar would claim the coin. Conversely, if Tendulkar survived the entire session without being dismissed, the coin was his reward. Tendulkar, with a surprising touch of sentimentality, still considers the 13 coins he won to be among his most cherished possessions [45]. During his intensive training at Shivaji Park, he temporarily relocated to live with his aunt and uncle, who conveniently resided near the park [43].

Beyond the structured environment of school cricket, Tendulkar also engaged in the more competitive realm of club cricket. In 1984, at the tender age of 11, he made his debut in the Kanga Cricket League while playing for the John Bright Cricket Club [43] [46]. From 1988 onwards, he continued his club career playing for the esteemed Cricket Club of India [46] [47].

In 1987, at the age of 14, harbouring ambitions of becoming a fast bowler, he attended the MRF Pace Foundation in Madras (now Chennai) for training. However, the trainer, the legendary Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, was decidedly unimpressed by his pace, offering the rather blunt, yet ultimately prescient, advice that Tendulkar should instead concentrate on his batting [48]. On 20 January 1987, in a somewhat bizarre twist of fate, he served as a substitute fielder for Imran Khan's side in an exhibition match at Brabourne Stadium in Bombay [49]. A few months later, former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar, recognizing a spark of potential, gifted Tendulkar a pair of his own lightweight pads and encouraged him not to be disheartened by not receiving the Bombay Cricket Association's Best Junior Cricketer Award. Tendulkar later recounted this gesture as "the greatest source of encouragement for me" [50] [51]. Adding another curious detail to his origin story, Tendulkar also served as a ball boy during the 1987 Cricket World Cup when India faced England in the semi-final in Bombay [52] [53].

In 1988, while still playing for Sharadashram, Tendulkar, alongside his schoolmate Vinod Kambli, forged an unbroken 664-run partnership in a Lord Harris Shield inter-school game against St. Xavier's High School. Tendulkar himself contributed a monumental 326 (not out) in that match and accumulated over 1,000 runs throughout the tournament [54]. This remarkable partnership stood as a record in any form of cricket until 2006, when it was eventually surpassed by two junior cricketers in Hyderabad, India [55].

Early career

On 14 November 1987, at the age of 14, Tendulkar was initially selected to represent Bombay in the Ranji Trophy for the 1987–88 season. However, he wasn't quite deemed ready for the big stage, and consequently, he was not chosen for the final eleven in any of the matches, though he was frequently utilised as a substitute fielder [43]. A year later, on 11 December 1988, aged a mere 15 years and 232 days, Tendulkar finally made his debut for Bombay against Gujarat at Wankhede Stadium. He marked this occasion by scoring an impressive 100 (not out), thereby becoming the youngest Indian to register a century on debut in first-class cricket [56]. His selection for the team was largely due to the keen eye of Bombay captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who had witnessed Tendulkar's exceptional talent firsthand while he played against Kapil Dev in the Wankhede Stadium's cricket practice nets [29]. The Indian team had, coincidentally, been there preparing to face the touring New Zealand team. Tendulkar impressively followed this up by scoring a century in both his Deodhar and Duleep Trophy debuts, which are also significant domestic cricket tournaments in India [57].

Tendulkar concluded the 1988–89 Ranji Trophy season as Bombay's highest run-scorer, accumulating 583 runs at a remarkable average of 67.77, placing him as the eighth-highest run-scorer overall in the competition [58]. In both 1988 and 1989, his burgeoning talent saw him selected for a young Indian team that toured England under the banner of the Star Cricket Club [59]. In the 1990–91 Ranji Trophy final, a match which Bombay narrowly lost to Haryana, Tendulkar's aggressive innings of 96 runs from just 75 balls was crucial in giving Bombay a fighting chance of victory, as they attempted to chase down a formidable target of 355 runs from only 70 overs on the final day [60].

At the commencement of the 1989–90 season, while representing the Rest of India, Tendulkar once again demonstrated his exceptional batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten century in an Irani Trophy match against Delhi [61].

In the final of the 1995 Ranji Trophy, Tendulkar, then captaining Bombay, delivered two commanding performances, scoring 140 and 139 runs against Punjab [62].

During the 1995–96 Irani Cup, he continued his leadership role, captaining Mumbai against the Rest of India [62]. His first double century, an unbeaten 204*, was scored for Mumbai against the visiting Australian team at the Brabourne Stadium in 1998 [29] [63]. He holds the unique distinction of being the only player to score a century on debut in all three of India's premier domestic first-class tournaments: the Ranji, Irani, and Duleep Trophies [64]. Another significant double century was an innings of 233* against Tamil Nadu in the semi-finals of the 2000 Ranji Trophy, an innings he himself considers among the finest of his career [65] [66] [67].

In total, Tendulkar participated in five Ranji Trophy finals, with Mumbai emerging victorious in four of them [62].

County cricket

In 1992, at the youthful age of 19, Tendulkar etched his name into history by becoming the first overseas-born player to represent Yorkshire. This was a monumental departure for the club, which, prior to Tendulkar's arrival, had a staunch tradition of only selecting players, even those UK-based, who were born within the historic county of Yorkshire [29] Note 1. Selected for Yorkshire as a replacement for the injured Australian fast bowler Craig McDermott, Tendulkar played 16 first-class matches for the team, accumulating 1,070 runs at an average of 46.52 [68]. Breaking a centuries-old tradition just to accommodate his talent. Imagine the audacity.

Career

Early tours

Raj Singh Dungarpur is often credited, or perhaps blamed, depending on your perspective, for Tendulkar's selection for the Indian tour of Pakistan in late 1989 [69], a decision made after he had completed only one first-class season [70]. The Indian selection committee had previously expressed interest in including Tendulkar for the tour of the West Indies earlier that year. However, they ultimately decided against it, citing concerns about exposing him to the formidable fast bowlers of the West Indies at such an nascent stage of his career, a cautious approach that perhaps prolonged his overall longevity.

Tendulkar holds the distinction of being the youngest player to debut for India in Tests, achieving this at the age of 16 years and 205 days. He also holds the record for being the youngest player to debut for India in ODIs, making his first appearance at 16 years and 238 days [71] [72]. His Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi in November 1989 saw him, a mere teenager, face down a fearsome pace attack. He scored 15 runs before being bowled by Waqar Younis, who, incidentally, was also making his debut in that very match [73]. Tendulkar was particularly noted for his stoicism under fire, handling numerous blows to his body from the aggressive Pakistani pacers. In the fourth and final Test match in Sialkot, he was struck on the nose by a bouncer delivered by Younis. Yet, he famously declined medical assistance, continuing to bat even as blood streamed from his nose [74]. A rather dramatic entry, wouldn't you say? In a 20-over exhibition game in Peshawar, played concurrently with the bilateral series, Tendulkar unleashed an explosive 53 runs off just 18 balls, a knock that included an over in which he plundered 27 runs from the leg-spinner Abdul Qadir [75]. This particular innings was later hailed by the then Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth as "one of the best innings I have seen" [76]. Overall, Tendulkar managed to score 215 runs at an average of 35.83 in the Test series, though he was dismissed without scoring a run in the sole One Day International (ODI) he participated in [77] [78].

The Pakistan series was promptly followed by a tour of New Zealand, where Tendulkar scored 117 runs at an average of 29.25 in the Test matches [79]. His ODI performances were less stellar, as he was dismissed for a duck in one of the two games he played, managing just 36 runs in the other [80]. On a 1990 tour to England, specifically on 14 August, he achieved another milestone, becoming the second-youngest cricketer to score a Test century when he crafted an unbeaten 119 in the second Test at Old Trafford in Manchester [74]. Wisden, in its characteristically understated manner, described his innings as "a disciplined display of immense maturity." They further noted, with an almost poetic flourish, "He looked the embodiment of India's famous opener, Gavaskar, and indeed was wearing a pair of his pads. While he displayed a full repertoire of strokes in compiling his maiden Test hundred, most remarkable were his off-side shots from the back foot. Though only 5ft 5in tall, he was still able to control without difficulty short deliveries from the English pacemen" [81].

Tendulkar's reputation continued its inexorable ascent during the 1991–92 tour of Australia, which preceded the 1992 Cricket World Cup. During this challenging tour, he scored an unbeaten 148 in the third Test at Sydney, making him the youngest batsman to record a century on Australian soil. He then followed this up with a gritty 114 on a notoriously fast and bouncy pitch in the final Test at Perth, facing a hostile pace attack comprised of Merv Hughes, Bruce Reid, and Craig McDermott [82]. Hughes, evidently already recognising the burgeoning threat, famously quipped to Allan Border at the time, "This little prick's going to get more runs than you, AB," a prophecy that would prove remarkably accurate [82].

Rise through the ranks

1994–96: ODI matches

In 1994, Tendulkar was given the opportunity to open the batting for the very first time in ODIs, a pivotal moment that occurred at Auckland against New Zealand. He seized this chance with an explosive 82 runs off just 49 balls [83]. This innings, rather dramatically, was hailed by Wisden as one that "changed ODI cricket forever" [84]. His maiden ODI century finally arrived on 9 September 1994 against Australia in Sri Lanka at Colombo, a patiently awaited milestone in his 79th ODI appearance [85] [86] [87].

Tendulkar waits at the bowler's end.

Tendulkar's ascent continued unabated as he emerged as the leading run-scorer at the 1996 World Cup, amassing 523 runs, including two centuries and three half-centuries [88]. He was, tragically, the sole Indian batsman to perform creditably in the semi-final against Sri Lanka, scoring 65 runs out of India's paltry 120 before a notorious batting collapse ensued [89]. The match referee, Clive Lloyd, was ultimately forced to award Sri Lanka the victory after the crowd, in a fit of collective frustration, began rioting and littering the field [90]. A fitting metaphor for the fickle nature of public adoration, perhaps.

Following the World Cup, in the same year, during a match against Pakistan at Sharjah, Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin was enduring a rather lean patch of form. Tendulkar and Navjot Singh Sidhu both scored centuries, establishing a then-record partnership for the second wicket. After getting out, Tendulkar observed Azharuddin in a state of indecision regarding whether he should bat. Tendulkar, demonstrating a rare moment of persuasive leadership, convinced Azharuddin to take to the crease. Azharuddin subsequently unleashed an astonishing 24 runs off a single over [91]. India went on to win that match, and this performance enabled India to post a score exceeding 300 runs for the very first time in an ODI [92].

1998: Australian competition

Tendulkar delivered a memorable innings of 143 runs (off 131 balls) in Sharjah against the Australian team during the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup. This masterful display included 5 sixes against a formidable bowling attack featuring Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, and Michael Kasprowicz. The innings is famously known as the "Desert Storm" due to its interruption by an actual sand storm [93]. In 2020, a poll conducted by the ICC declared it Tendulkar's finest ODI innings, proving that some legends only grow with time, much like a stubborn myth.

In early 1998, when Australia embarked on their tour of India, Tendulkar was in sublime form, scoring 155*, 79, and 177 in three consecutive innings [94]. The primary narrative of the tour, meticulously crafted by the media, focused on the anticipated clash between Tendulkar and the prodigious spinner Shane Warne, both arguably at the zenith of their respective careers [95]. In preparation for this highly anticipated series, Tendulkar, ever diligent, simulated various match scenarios in the nets with Laxman Sivaramakrishnan [96]. In their tour opener, Australia faced Mumbai at the Brabourne Stadium in a three-day first-class match [97]. Tendulkar, in a stark warning of what was to come, scored an unbeaten 204 runs, while Shane Warne, in a rather humiliating display, conceded 111 runs in just 16 overs, leading to Australia's defeat within three days [98] [99]. Tendulkar undeniably dominated Warne throughout the subsequent Test series [100] [101]. He concluded the series with an impressive 446 runs at an average of 111.50, surrendering his wicket to Warne on only one occasion out of five. Warne, on the other hand, managed to claim ten wickets in the series, but at a rather steep cost of 54 runs apiece [101]. Tendulkar was deservedly named the player of the series [102], with India clinching the series 2-1 [103].

Tendulkar also showcased his utility with the ball in the five-match ODI series against India that followed the Tests, notably achieving a rare five-wicket haul in an ODI in Kochi. Chasing a target of 310 runs for victory, Australia appeared to be cruising at 203 for 3 in the 31st over. However, Tendulkar, in a decisive spell, completely turned the match in India's favour, taking the crucial wickets of Michael Bevan, Steve Waugh, Darren Lehmann, Tom Moody, and Damien Martyn for a mere 32 runs in 10 overs [104]. The Test match success was further amplified by two consecutive centuries in April 1998 during a Triangular cricket tournament in Sharjah—the first in a must-win game to propel India into the finals, and then again in the finals, both against Australia. These twin knocks are now collectively referred to as the Desert Storm innings [105]. Following the series, Warne, with a touch of rueful humour, famously quipped that he was experiencing nightmares about his Indian nemesis [106].

Tendulkar's exceptional all-round performance in the ICC 1998 quarterfinal at Dhaka was instrumental in securing India's entry into the semi-finals. He not only scored 141 runs off 128 balls but also claimed four Australian wickets [107]. Unsurprisingly, he was declared the player of the match [108].

1999: Asian Test Championship, Test matches, and the World Cup

The inaugural Asian Test Championship unfolded in February and March 1999, featuring India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka [109]. The tournament attracted an astonishing 100,000 spectators during its first four days, shattering a 63-year-old record for aggregate Test attendance [110]. In the opening match, a high-stakes encounter between India and Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Tendulkar found himself dismissed from the match after an unfortunate collision with Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar. The crowd, in a rather predictable display of passionate indignation, reacted by throwing various objects at Akhtar, forcing the players to temporarily vacate the field. The match eventually resumed after Tendulkar and the president of the ICC made appeals for calm to the agitated spectators. However, further rioting ultimately meant that the match had to conclude in front of a sparse crowd of just 200 people [111]. Tendulkar went on to score his 19th Test century in the second Test, a match that ultimately ended in a draw with Sri Lanka [112]. India failed to advance to the final, which was subsequently won by Pakistan. India later declined to participate in the 2001–02 Asian Test Championship, citing escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan [113].

In a gripping Test match against Pakistan at Chepauk (Chennai) in 1999, the first of a two-Test series, Tendulkar produced a masterful innings of 136 runs on a rapidly deteriorating pitch. He faced a formidable Pakistan attack that included the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, and a young Shahid Afridi, all while battling debilitating back spasms [114]. Despite his heroic efforts, India heartbreakingly lost the match by a mere 12 runs, as their last three wickets tumbled for just 4 runs [115]. Wisden, in its retrospective "1990s in Review series," ranked this innings as No. 5 in its list of Test innings of the decade [116].

Tendulkar's father, Ramesh Tendulkar, passed away during the 1999 Cricket World Cup [117]. This personal tragedy forced Tendulkar to fly back to India to attend his father's final rituals, consequently missing the match against Zimbabwe. He returned to the World Cup with a heavy heart, but in his very next match against Kenya in Bristol, he delivered an emotional century, scoring an unbeaten 140 runs off 101 balls. He dedicated this century to his late father [118]. A moment of raw human emotion, even from the "God of Cricket."

Captaincy of national team

File:India test cricket captaincy record.png

Tendulkar's record as captain

Matches Won Lost Drawn Tied No result Win %
Test [119] 25 4 9 12 0 – 16%
ODI [120] 73 23 43 – 2 6 31.50%

Tendulkar's two stints as captain of the Indian cricket team were, to put it mildly, not particularly distinguished. It's almost as if the burden of leadership weighed heavier than a thousand expectations. He first took on the captaincy in 1996, but by 1997, the team's performance had visibly deteriorated. Discussing Tendulkar's initial term as captain, Azharuddin was famously, or perhaps infamously, quoted as saying, "He won't win! It's not in the small one's destiny!" (Hindi: "Nahin jeetega! Chote ki naseeb main jeet nahin hai!" ) [121] [122]. A rather blunt assessment, but one that seemed to hold a certain truth at the time.

Tendulkar, succeeding Azharuddin as captain for his second tenure, led India on a challenging tour of Australia, where the visiting team was comprehensively defeated 3–0 by the then newly crowned world champions. Tendulkar, however, still managed to secure the player of the series award [123], along with player of the match in one of the games [124], a testament to his individual brilliance even amidst collective failure. After yet another Test series defeat, this time a 0–2 margin at home against South Africa, Tendulkar, perhaps weary of the ceaseless demands of captaincy, resigned. Sourav Ganguly then took over as captain in 2000 [125] [126]. Sometimes, even a demigod needs to shed the crown.

South Africa match fixing

In 2000, a scandal erupted when members of the South African national team were found to have attempted to fix matches during their visit to India. Following this unsavoury incident, Tendulkar, along with three other senior cricketers, took decisive action to ensure that players "whose performance and conduct was dubious were never picked for the Indian squad again" [127]. A necessary clean-up, one might say, even if it was a rather grim affair.

Role in 2007 captaincy change

During the Indian team's 2007 tour of England, the desire of Rahul Dravid to step down from the captaincy became known. The then Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President, Sharad Pawar, extended the captaincy offer to Tendulkar. However, in a move that perhaps demonstrated a shrewd understanding of leadership dynamics—or a simple desire to avoid the headache—Tendulkar declined and instead recommended Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the role. Pawar later publicly revealed this conversation, crediting Tendulkar for his astute suggestion of Dhoni, who subsequently achieved considerable success as captain [128]. A moment of quiet influence, rather than overt command.

Continued rise

2001–02: Mike Denness incident, Australia test series, and breaking Bradman's record

During India's 2001 tour of South Africa, a rather bizarre incident unfolded during the second Test match. Match referee Mike Denness levied fines against four Indian players for excessive appealing, and additionally fined the Indian captain Sourav Ganguly for failing to control his team [129]. More controversially, Denness suspended Tendulkar from one match for alleged ball tampering. Television cameras had captured images that seemed to suggest Tendulkar might have been involved in cleaning the seam of the cricket ball [130] [131]. The incident rapidly escalated, with sports journalists accusing Denness of racism [132], and ultimately led to Denness being barred from entering the venue for the third Test match. The ICC, in an attempt to salvage the situation, revoked the match's status as a Test after both teams rejected the appointed referee [133]. The charges against Tendulkar ignited a massive backlash from the Indian public, a predictable fury when their idol is perceived to be wronged [134].

When Australia toured India in 2001, in the first Test at Mumbai, Tendulkar was a lone beacon of resistance, scoring 76 and 65 runs, while no other Indian batsman managed to cross the 50-run mark [135]. Despite his efforts, India ultimately lost that Test. However, on the final day of the legendary Kolkata Test against Australia in 2001, Tendulkar, in an unexpected display of bowling prowess, claimed three crucial wickets, including those of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, both of whom had scored centuries in the preceding Test. His three-wicket haul proved instrumental in India's dramatic victory [136]. In the third Test at Chennai, Tendulkar once again top-scored for India with 126 runs, helping the team reach a formidable total of 501 [137]. India would go on to narrowly win this Test match by just 2 wickets, clinching the Test series 2-1 [138]. This series is, quite rightly, regarded as one of the greatest of the century [139].

In the subsequent five-match ODI series, Tendulkar maintained his exceptional form, scoring 280 runs at an impressive average of 56 and a blistering strike rate of 120.17 [140]. He also achieved his 100th wicket in ODIs, taking the wicket of then-Australian captain Steve Waugh in the final match at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa [141].

In the 2002 series in the West Indies, Tendulkar began strongly, scoring 79 in the first Test. In the second Test at Port of Spain, he scored 117 in the first innings, his 29th Test century in his 93rd Test match, thereby equalling Donald Bradman's revered record of 29 Test hundreds [142]. To commemorate this remarkable feat, he was famously gifted a Ferrari 360 Modena by Fiat, presented through the legendary Michael Schumacher [143] [144]. However, in an almost inexplicable downturn, he then scored a sequence of 0, 0, 8, and 0 in his next four innings [[145]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-145]. He eventually rediscovered his form in the final Test, scoring 41 and 86, including one half-century. Despite his efforts, India ultimately lost the series [146].

Tendulkar enjoyed a successful series in England in 2002, accumulating 401 runs in 6 innings at an impressive average of 66.83 [147]. In the third Test match of this series, played in August 2002 at Headingley, Leeds, Tendulkar scored his 30th Test century, a magnificent 193 runs, thereby surpassing Bradman's long-standing tally in his 99th Test match [148] [149]. India emerged victorious in this Test match, and the four-match series concluded in a 1-1 draw [150].

2003: Cricket World Cup

Tendulkar amassed a formidable 673 runs in 11 matches during the 2003 Cricket World Cup [151], a performance that was instrumental in propelling India all the way to the final. While Australia ultimately claimed the trophy, Tendulkar was deservedly awarded the Man of the Tournament accolade [152] [[153]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-153].

He continued his prolific scoring in ODI cricket that year, notching up two centuries in a tri-series that featured New Zealand and Australia [154] [155]. In a moment of unexpected utility as a part-time bowler, he managed to dismiss a visibly exhausted centurion, Matthew Hayden, in the tri-series final [156].

2003–04: Tour of Australia

The drawn series during India's tour of Australia in 2003–04 saw Tendulkar leave his most significant mark in the final Test of the series. He produced an extraordinary innings, scoring an unbeaten 241 runs from 436 balls, adorned with 33 fours, at a strike rate of 55.27 in Sydney. This monumental effort placed India in a virtually unassailable position. He occupied the crease for a staggering 613 minutes during this innings. He then followed this up with an unbeaten 60 in the second innings of the Test [157]. Prior to this particular Test match, he had managed only 82 runs in 5 innings across the first three Tests of the series [[158]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-158]. It was, in fact, no statistical anomaly that 2003 represented his least productive year in Test cricket, with an average of just 17.00 and only one half-century to his name [[159]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-159]. A sharp contrast indeed.

Tendulkar then scored an unbeaten 194 against Pakistan at Multan in the subsequent series. However, Indian captain Rahul Dravid controversially declared the innings before Tendulkar could reach his double century, which would have marked the fourth time he had achieved this milestone in Tests [160]. Tendulkar later expressed his disappointment, stating that the declaration had caught him by surprise [[161]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-161]. Numerous former cricketers weighed in, largely agreeing that Dravid's declaration was, at best, in poor taste [162] [163]. Following the match, which India won, Dravid maintained that the matter had been discussed internally and subsequently resolved [[164]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-164]. A rather neat way to sweep things under the rug, wouldn't you say?

A debilitating tennis elbow injury then took its toll on Tendulkar, forcing him out of the side for the majority of the year. He only made his return for the final two Tests when Australia toured India in 2004 [165] [166]. He played a significant role in India's victory in Mumbai during that series, contributing an attacking 55 runs, though Australia ultimately clinched the series 2–1 [167].

Performance dip

2005–06: Dry spell

On 10 December 2005, at Feroz Shah Kotla, Tendulkar achieved a significant milestone by scoring his record-breaking 35th Test century against the Sri Lankans. However, following this achievement, Tendulkar entered what would become the longest period of his career without a Test century, a frustrating 17 innings before he finally reached 101 against Bangladesh in May 2007 [168]. He managed to score his 39th ODI hundred on 6 February 2006 in a match against Pakistan [169]. This was followed by a score of 42 in the second One-Day International against Pakistan on 11 February 2006 [170], and then a resilient 95 in challenging, seaming conditions on 13 February 2006 in Lahore, an innings that ultimately paved the way for an Indian victory [171]. On 19 March 2006, after being dismissed for a mere single run against England in the first innings of the third Test at his home ground, Wankhede, Tendulkar was, rather ungraciously, booed off the ground by a segment of the crowd [172]. He concluded the three-Test series without registering a single half-century, and the impending need for a shoulder operation only fuelled further questions about his future longevity in the sport.

Tendulkar's return to form began in the DLF Cup in Malaysia, where he was the sole Indian batsman to truly shine. In his comeback match, against the West Indies on 14 September 2006, Tendulkar delivered a powerful response to his critics, many of whom believed his career was in an irreversible decline, by scoring his 40th ODI century [173]. Despite his unbeaten 141, the West Indies ultimately won the rain-affected match by the D/L method [174]. A classic case of individual brilliance overshadowed by collective outcome.

2007 Cricket World Cup

During the preparations for the 2007 World Cup, Tendulkar's approach and role within the team became a point of contention, notably criticised by Indian coach Greg Chappell. Chappell reportedly held the view that Tendulkar would be more effective batting lower down the order, while Tendulkar, rather predictably, believed he was best suited to opening the innings, a role he had occupied for the majority of his career [175]. Chappell further opined that Tendulkar's repeated failures were detrimental to the team's prospects. In a rare display of public emotion, Tendulkar lashed out at the comments attributed to Chappell, emphatically stating that no coach had ever questioned his attitude towards cricket before. On 7 April 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a formal notice to Tendulkar, requesting an explanation for his public remarks to the media [176]. Chappell subsequently resigned as coach, though he maintained that this affair had no bearing on his decision and that he and Tendulkar were, supposedly, on good terms [175]. One might be forgiven for a healthy dose of skepticism regarding that last point.

At the World Cup in the West Indies, Tendulkar and the Indian cricket team, under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, endured a rather dismal campaign. Tendulkar, who was relegated to batting lower down the order, registered scores of 7 against Bangladesh, 57 not out against Bermuda, and a disappointing 0 against Sri Lanka [177] [178] [179]. As a direct consequence, former Australian captain Ian Chappell, Greg's brother, publicly called for Tendulkar to retire in his newspaper column [180].

Following the crushing losses against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Tendulkar reportedly experienced a period of depression and seriously contemplated retiring from cricket. However, he was dissuaded by the legendary Viv Richards and his brother Ajit Tendulkar [181]. According to Tendulkar himself, 23 March 2007, the day of the loss against Bangladesh, stands as one of the darkest days of his cricketing career [181]. Even demigods, it seems, are susceptible to existential crises.

Return to old form and consistency

2007

In 2007, during a Test series as part of India's tour of Bangladesh, Tendulkar made a decisive return to his preferred opening slot and was subsequently named the Man of the Series [182]. He continued this resurgence by scoring 99 and 93 in the first two matches of the Future Cup against South Africa. During the second match, he also achieved the significant milestone of becoming the first player to accumulate 15,000 runs in ODIs [[183]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-183]. He finished as the leading run-scorer in the series and was once again adjudged the Man of the Series [184] [185].

Tendulkar, upon reaching his 38th Test century against Australia in the 2nd Test at the SCG in 2008, where he finished not out on 154

On the second day of the Nottingham Test on 28 July 2007, Tendulkar further solidified his legendary status by becoming only the third cricketer in history to complete 11,000 Test runs [186]. In the subsequent one-day series against England, Tendulkar was India's leading run-scorer [187], maintaining an impressive average of 53.42. Similarly, in the ODI Series against Australia in October 2007, Tendulkar once again led the Indian scoring charts with 278 runs [188].

Tendulkar, in a curious statistical quirk, was dismissed five times in 2007 within the nervous nineties (between 90 and 100 runs), including three times on 99. This led to speculation that he struggled with a particular form of nervousness during this critical phase of his innings [189]. In fact, Tendulkar has been dismissed in the 90s a remarkable 27 times throughout his international career [190]. In a five-ODI series against Pakistan, he was caught by Kamran Akmal off the bowling of Umar Gul for 99 in the second match at Mohali [191]. In the fourth match of that very series, he again fell in the 90s, scoring 97 before unluckily dragging a delivery from Gul onto his own stumps [192]. One might almost suspect a cosmic joke at play.

2007–08: Tour of Australia

The 2008 India tour of Australia was marred by controversy, specifically the infamous "Monkeygate" incident at a Sydney Test match. Australian Andrew Symonds accused Indian Harbhajan Singh of using racist terminology, alleging he called him a "monkey." This entire affair was, rather predictably, sensationalised and dubbed "Monkeygate" by the media [193]. Singh was initially suspended by the match ICC referee after a hearing. Sachin Tendulkar, who was standing at the non-striker's end when Symonds claimed the racist comments were made, initially told the ICC match referee Mike Procter that he couldn't definitively say what Singh had uttered to Symonds. However, in a subsequent hearing, Tendulkar's stance shifted, and he stated that Symonds had not said "monkey" but "Teri Maa Ki..." ('Your mother's...'), an expression, as Tendulkar later clarified in his autobiography Playing It My Way, often used in North India to vent anger, and which he considered "all part of the game" [194]. This incident rapidly escalated in the following days, nearly leading to the cancellation of the entire tour [194]. The referee's initial suspension of Singh for three Tests was eventually overturned following an appeal and Tendulkar's revised statement. Andrew Symonds later recounted in "Monkeygate - Ten years on," a documentary based on the affair, that Harbhajan Singh approached him at a barbecue during their time playing for the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise, and apologised, saying, "mate, can I speak to you for a minute out in the garden out the front? He goes, 'look, I've got to say sorry to you for what I did to you in Sydney. I apologise.'" [195] [194]. Despite the eventual reconciliation, the Herald Sun reported that Tendulkar remains "not forgiven" by some Australian players for altering his account during Monkeygate, dubbing Tendulkar an Indian "demigod" [196] [197]. The complexities of human memory and loyalty, laid bare on the cricket field.

In the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, 2007–08, Tendulkar demonstrated exceptional form, emerging as the leading run-scorer with a total of 493 runs across four Tests, despite a curious consistency in failing in the second innings [198]. He scored 62 runs in the first innings of the first Test at the MCG in Melbourne, but his efforts could not prevent a heavy 337-run defeat for Australia [199]. In the controversial New Years' Test at Sydney, Tendulkar compiled an unbeaten 154, an innings of resilience even though India ultimately lost the Test. This marked his third century at the SCG and his 38th Test century overall, giving him an astonishing average of 326 at that ground at the completion of the innings [200] [201]. In the third Test at the WACA cricket ground in Perth, Tendulkar played a crucial role in India's first innings total of 330, scoring a well-constructed 71. India went on to record a historic triumph at the WACA, bringing an end to Australia's formidable streak of 16 consecutive wins [202]. In the fourth Test at the Adelaide Oval, which concluded in a draw, he scored 153 in the first innings, participating in a vital 126-run partnership for the fifth wicket with VVS Laxman, guiding India from 156 for 4 to a total of 282 for 5 [203]. He was awarded the Man of the Match for this performance [204].

In the One-Day International Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series, which involved India, Sri Lanka, and Australia, Tendulkar achieved another significant milestone, becoming the only batsman to complete 16,000 runs in ODIs [[205]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-205]. He accomplished this feat against Sri Lanka on 5 February 2008 at the Gabba in Brisbane. He commenced the series with scores of 10, 35, 44, and 32 [206]. His form experienced a slight dip in the middle of the tournament, with scores of 5, 0, and 2, but Tendulkar rebounded strongly in India's crucial must-win game against Sri Lanka at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, scoring 63 runs off just 54 balls [[207]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-207]. He concluded the series with a match-winning 117 not out off 120 balls in the first final [208], and a significant 91 runs in the second final [209]. Both these exceptional knocks were nominated for the ODI Batting Performance of the Year by ESPNcricinfo [210].

2008: Return to Tests and breaking Brian Lara's record

South Africa embarked on a tour of India in March and April 2008 for a three-Test series. Tendulkar, unfortunately, registered a five-ball duck in his sole innings of the series [[211]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-211]. He sustained a groin strain during the match, an injury that not only forced him to miss the second and third Tests but also sidelined him for the tri-series involving Bangladesh, the 2008 Asia Cup, and the initial half of the inaugural season of the IPL [212]. A most inconvenient time for such a setback.

Prior to the Indian cricket team's tour of Sri Lanka in July 2008, Tendulkar required 177 runs to surpass Brian Lara's then-record of 11,953 Test runs. However, in a surprising turn of events, he struggled in all six innings, accumulating a paltry total of 95 runs. India lost the series, and his average of 15.83 stood as his worst in any Test series comprising at least three matches [213].

In the subsequent ODI series against Sri Lanka, Tendulkar was once again sidelined due to injury [214]. However, during Australia's following tour of India, he returned to fitness and form, scoring 13 and 49 in the first Test [[215]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-215] before crafting an impressive 88 in the first innings of the second Test. It was during this innings that he finally broke Brian Lara's record for most Test runs, and also reached the significant 12,000-run mark when he was on 61 [216] [[217]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-217]. He described this achievement as the biggest in his 19-year career on the very day he accomplished it [218]. He followed this with a half-century in the third Test [219] and a century, 109, in the fourth, as India triumphed in the series 2–0 and reclaimed the Border–Gavaskar Trophy [220].

2008: England Series

Tendulkar was, yet again, unavailable for the first three ODIs of a seven-match ODI series at home against England due to injury. He made his return to score 11 in the fourth ODI [[221]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-221] and a half-century, 50, in the fifth [[222]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-222], before the series was abruptly called off due to the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. At that point, India held an unassailable 5–0 lead in the series [223] [224].

England subsequently returned for a two-match Test series in December 2008. The first Test, originally scheduled to be held in Mumbai, was relocated to Chennai in the wake of the terror attacks [223] [224]. Chasing a daunting target of 387 for victory in that emotionally charged match, Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 103 and forged a crucial 163-run unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Yuvraj Singh [[225]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-225]. This marked his third century in the fourth innings of a Test match, and significantly, his first that resulted in a victory for India [226]. He dedicated this century to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks [[227]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-227]. The knock was deservedly nominated as one of the Test Batting Performances of the Year by ESPNcricinfo [228], and Tendulkar himself called it his most meaningful innings [229]. Tendulkar's performance in the second Test at Mohali was less impactful, and the match concluded in a draw, with India winning the series 1–0 [230].

2009–10: Consolidation and ODI record

In early 2009, India embarked on a return tour to Sri Lanka for a five-match ODI series, a fixture arranged after the Pakistan series was cancelled due to the precarious security situation there and the recent Mumbai attacks [231]. Tendulkar's performances were modest, scoring 5, 6, and 7 in the first three matches, being dismissed leg before wicket in all of them, and he did not participate in the remaining two matches [232].

India's next assignment was an away series against New Zealand, comprising three Tests and five ODIs. In the ODI series, Tendulkar crafted an unbeaten 163 in the third match before excruciating stomach cramps forced him to prematurely end his innings. India posted a formidable total of 392, won the match [[233]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-233], and ultimately secured the series 3–1 [234]. Tendulkar continued his strong form in the Test series, scoring 160 in the first Test, his 42nd Test century, which contributed to an Indian victory [[235]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-235]. He made 49 and 64 in the second Test [[236]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-236] and 62 and 9 in the third, a match where play was halted on the final day due to rain, with India needing only two wickets to win. India ultimately won the series 1–0 [237] [238].

Tendulkar, ever mindful of his body, opted to rest himself for the ODI tour of the West Indies [239], but returned for the Compaq Cup Tri-Series involving India, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand in early September 2009. He scored 46 [[240]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-240] and 27 [[241]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-241] in the league matches before unleashing a magnificent 138 in the final, as India posted 319 runs and secured a 46-run victory [[242]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-242]. This marked Tendulkar's sixth century in the final of an ODI tournament and his third consecutive score of over 50 in such high-stakes matches [[243]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-243].

Tendulkar participated in only one innings during the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa, scoring 8 runs against Pakistan as India suffered a defeat [244]. The subsequent match against Australia was abandoned due to rain [[245]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-245], and he was forced to miss the third match against the West Indies due to a stomach infection, which ultimately led to India's elimination from the tournament [246].

Australia returned for a seven-match ODI series in India in October, and Tendulkar recorded scores of 14, 4, 32, and 40 in the first four games [[247]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-247]. In the fifth match, with the series finely poised at 2–2, Australia amassed a daunting 350/4 in their 50 overs [[248]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-248]. Tendulkar responded with his 45th ODI hundred, an exceptional 175 runs off 141 balls. Just as it seemed he would single-handedly guide India to the colossal victory target, he attempted to scoop a slower delivery from debutant bowler Clint McKay over short fine leg, only to be caught by Nathan Hauritz. India, at that point, needed 19 runs to win from 18 balls with four wickets remaining. The Indian tail then collapsed, and Australia dramatically won the match by three runs [249] [[250]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-250]. During this innings, Tendulkar also became the first player to reach 17,000 ODI runs [250] [[251]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-251], achieved his personal best score against Australia [[252]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-252], and registered the third-highest individual score in a losing cause [[253]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-253]. This remarkable knock was voted as the Best ODI Batting Performance of 2009 by ESPNcricinfo [254].

In the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in 2009–10, Tendulkar scored 69, 43, 96 not out, and 8 in the first four matches [[255]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-255], with the fifth match being abandoned due to the pitch being deemed unfit and potentially dangerous [[256]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-256]. India secured the series victory 3–1 [[257]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-257]. In the subsequent Test series, he scored an unbeaten 100 in the first Test, which was drawn, and followed it with 40 and 53 in the second and third Tests, respectively. India clinched innings victories in both Tests, winning the series 2–0 [[258]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-258].

Tendulkar opted to rest for the ODI tri-series in Bangladesh in 2010 but participated in the subsequent Test series [[259]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-259]. He scored 105 not out and 16 in the first Test, and a commanding 143 in the second. India won both Tests convincingly [260] [[261]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-261].

In the two-Test Series against South Africa, Tendulkar scored 7 and 100 in the first Test [[262]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-262]. He then notched 106 in the first innings of the second Test, marking his 47th century in Test cricket. This was also his fourth century in successive Tests, making him only the fourth Indian player to achieve this remarkable feat [263] [[264]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-264]. In the second match of the subsequent ODI series, Tendulkar achieved a historic milestone, scoring 200 not out and becoming the world's first male batsman to register a double century in ODI cricket, surpassing the previous highest score of 194, jointly held by Pakistan's Saeed Anwar and Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry Note 2.

Tendulkar's shot to reach 14,000 Test runs. He was batting against Australia in October 2010.

2011–12: World Cup win and final years

Celebrating winning the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

From February to April, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka co-hosted the 2011 World Cup. Amassing a total of 482 runs at an average of 53.55, including two centuries, Tendulkar emerged as India's leading run-scorer for the tournament; only Tillakaratne Dilshan of Sri Lanka managed to score more runs [270]. His stellar performance earned him a place in the ICC "Team of the Tournament" [[271]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-271]. India, in a momentous triumph, defeated Sri Lanka in the final [[272]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-272]. Shortly after the victory, Tendulkar, in a rare display of profound emotion, commented that "Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life... I couldn't control my tears of joy" [273]. Even the most stoic figures have their breaking points, it seems.

India was scheduled to tour the West Indies in June, though Tendulkar, perhaps still basking in the World Cup glory or simply in need of a respite, chose not to participate. He rejoined the squad in July for India's tour of England [274]. Throughout the tour, the media was consumed by speculation and hype surrounding whether Tendulkar would finally achieve his 100th century in international cricket (combining both Test and ODIs). However, his highest score in the Tests was 91; Tendulkar averaged a modest 34.12 in the series as England comprehensively won 4–0, thereby dethroning India as the No. 1 ranked Test side [275] [276]. The injury Tendulkar had sustained to his right foot back in 2001 flared up, consequently ruling him out of the subsequent ODI series [275]. Tendulkar, ever the record-breaker, created yet another milestone on 8 November 2011, becoming the first cricketer to amass 15,000 runs in Test cricket, an achievement accomplished during the opening Test match against the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi [277] [278]. For his performances in 2011, he was named in the World Test XI by the ICC [279].

Ian Chappell, ever the critic, voiced his dissatisfaction with Tendulkar's performance following India's tour of Australia. He contended that Tendulkar's relentless pursuit of his 100th hundred had become a hindrance to the entire team, negatively impacting their performance on the Australian tour [280]. Former India World Cup-winning captain and all-rounder Kapil Dev also expressed his opinion that Tendulkar should have retired from ODIs immediately after the World Cup victory [[281]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-281]. Former Australian fast bowler, Geoff Lawson, took a more diplomatic stance, stating that Tendulkar had the right to decide when to retire, though he added a caveat that Tendulkar should not delay it for too long [[282]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-282]. The selection committee of the BCCI, predictably, included Tendulkar in the national Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, commencing in August 2012 [[283]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-283]. The show, it seemed, must go on.

100th international century

On 16 March 2012, Tendulkar finally accomplished a truly remarkable feat by scoring his 100th international century in a match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, held at Mirpur [284]. This was a pioneering achievement, as he became the first cricketer in the history of the sport to ever reach this monumental landmark [[285]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-285]. This century was not merely a momentous occasion for Tendulkar personally, but it also represented his first ODI century against Bangladesh, a small detail often overlooked in the grand narrative. Despite the pervasive media attention and intense public fascination surrounding this milestone, Tendulkar candidly confessed that it had been an incredibly challenging period for him, as the constant, unrelenting focus on his "100th hundred" transformed into a mentally onerous task [286] [[287]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-287]. The weight of expectation, it seems, can be a heavier burden than any bowling attack. Despite Tendulkar's illustrious century, India was, rather ironically, unable to secure a triumph against Bangladesh, ultimately suffering a defeat by a margin of 5 wickets [[288]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-288]. A fittingly anticlimactic end to such a drawn-out saga, perhaps.

Domestic return

After a series of three similar dismissals against New Zealand and a noticeable slump in form, Tendulkar made a strategic return to the Ranji Trophy to regain some much-needed form ahead of the home series against England [289]. In a match for Mumbai against Railways on 2 November 2012, his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2009, he scored an impressive 137 runs off 136 balls, adorned with 21 fours and 3 sixes, propelling his team to 344 for 4 at stumps on day one [[290]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-290]. A clear statement, if ever there was one.

However, his rather poor form in the first two Tests of the series against England, culminating in India's humiliating 10-wicket defeat in the second match on 26 November 2012 [[291]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-291], led some to question his continued place in the Indian team. A report by The Hindustan Times even suggested that Tendulkar had a discussion with the national chief selector Sandeep Patil, during which he reportedly stated that he would leave the decision on his future to the selectors, acknowledging his struggle for runs [[292]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-292]. This speculation, however, was later dismissed as false [293] [[294]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-294].

He then made the decision to participate in the knockout stage of the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy. He scored 108 in the quarter-final against Baroda before being bowled by Murtuja Vahora, an innings during which Tendulkar was involved in a substantial 234-run partnership with opener Wasim Jaffer (150) for the third wicket at Wankhede Stadium [295]. Mumbai ultimately amassed a formidable 645/9 and secured victory on a first-innings lead [[296]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-296]. In the semi-final against Services at Palam A Ground, with Mumbai in a precarious position at 23/3, Tendulkar scored a brisk 56 from 75 balls and forged an 81-run fourth-wicket partnership with Abhishek Nayar (70) [[297]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-297]. Mumbai eventually won on first-innings lead after the match extended into a sixth day due to rain delays [297] [[298]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-298]. In the final against Saurashtra, he was unfortunately run out for 22 following a misunderstanding with Wasim Jaffer [[299]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-299]. Despite this, Mumbai ultimately triumphed, winning the Ranji Trophy 2012–13 [300].

He also participated in the Irani Trophy for Mumbai, where he scored an unbeaten 140* against the Rest of India, helping Mumbai to a total of 409 in response to the Rest of India's 526. This innings also marked his 81st century in first-class cricket, drawing him level with Sunil Gavaskar's Indian record for the most first-class hundreds [301].

Retirement

Tendulkar fielding in his 199th Test match in Eden Gardens (He is seen wearing a hat.)

After a series of rather underwhelming performances during the 2012 series against England, Tendulkar, with a hint of dramatic timing, announced his departure from One Day International cricket on 23 December 2012 [302] [303]. However, he made it clear that he would continue to be available for selection in the Test format of the sport, prolonging the inevitable. Upon the announcement of his ODI retirement, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly expressed a degree of surprise, noting that Tendulkar could still have participated in the upcoming series against Pakistan. Anil Kumble, ever the thoughtful observer, reflected on the difficulty of imagining an Indian ODI team without Tendulkar's name on the roster, while Javagal Srinath acknowledged the transformative impact Tendulkar had on the game, dating back to his debut as an opener in New Zealand in 1994 [304].

After playing a solitary Twenty20 International in 2006 against South Africa, he declared that he would not participate in that format again [305]. He then announced his retirement from the IPL after his team, Mumbai Indians, defeated Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 26 May to clinch the Indian Premier League 2013 title [306]. His full retirement from Twenty20 cricket and limited-overs cricket came after playing the 2013 Champions League Twenty20 in September–October 2013 in India for the Mumbai Indians [307].

On 10 October 2013, Tendulkar, finally, announced that he would retire from all forms of cricket after the two-Test series against West Indies in November [308] [309]. At his specific request, the BCCI arranged for these two farewell matches to be played at Kolkata and Mumbai, ensuring that his final curtain call would take place at his cherished home ground [310] [[311]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-311]. He scored 74 runs in his very last Test innings against the West Indies, thus falling short by 79 runs of completing 16,000 runs in Test cricket. The next man to bat after him was none other than the future captain, Virat Kohli [23] [[312]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-312]. The Cricket Association of Bengal and the Mumbai Cricket Association organised elaborate events to mark his retirement from the sport [313] [[314]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-314]. Various national and international figures from cricket, politics, Bollywood, and other fields converged to speak about him in a day-long "Salaam Sachin Conclave" organised by India Today [315] [316]. A fittingly grand send-off for a man who had, for decades, embodied the sport for an entire nation.

Post-retirement

In July 2014, Tendulkar, post-retirement, captained the MCC side in the Bicentenary Celebration match at Lord's [317]. In December 2014, he was named an ambassador for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 event [318] [[319]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-319], a role he had previously held for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 [320]. Clearly, some roles are simply too important for mere mortals.

Exhibition and charity matches

Tendulkar has also been involved in organising exhibition cricket matches, notably in partnership with former Australian cricketer Shane Warne. The " Cricket All-Stars" series, held in US baseball stadiums, featured a roster of retired players, including the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Shoaib Akhtar, and Wasim Akram [321].

On 8 February 2020, he participated in the Bushfire Cricket Bash, a charity match meticulously organised to raise funds for the victims of the Australian bushfires [322]. He then captained the India Legends team to victory in the 2020–21 Road Safety World Series, where he also emerged as the leading run-scorer for the Indian team in the tournament [323] [324].

He even took on the role of coach for the Ponting XI during The Big Appeal. During the innings break, at the request of Ellyse Perry, he briefly returned to the crease to bat an over against Perry herself and Annabel Sutherland [325] [326]. A true sport, one might say, even in retirement.

Indian Premier League

Tendulkar was appointed as the "Icon player" and captain for his home side, the Mumbai Indians, in the inaugural Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition in 2008 [327]. As an icon player, he commanded a signing fee of US$1,121,250, a princely sum that was 15% more than the second-highest paid player in the team, Sanath Jayasuriya [[328]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-328].

In the 2010 edition of the Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians reached the final of the tournament. Tendulkar was in scintillating form, scoring 618 runs in 14 innings during the competition, thereby breaking Shaun Marsh's record for most runs in an IPL season. His exceptional performance earned him the coveted Player of the Tournament award. He also received the Best Batsman and Best Captain awards at the 2010 IPL Awards ceremony [329]. Tendulkar holds the distinction of scoring over 500 runs in the IPL in two different seasons as a captain [330].

Sachin Tendulkar captained the Mumbai Indians in four league matches of the second edition of the Champions League T20. He scored 68 in the first match and 48 against Guyana. However, despite his contributions, the Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the semi-finals after losing their initial two matches. Tendulkar accumulated a total of 135 runs in the tournament [331].

In the 2011 IPL, against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Tendulkar achieved another personal milestone, scoring his maiden Twenty20 hundred. He finished with 100 not out off just 66 balls. In 2013, Tendulkar officially retired from the Indian Premier League, and in 2014, he was appointed as the Mumbai Indians' "Team Icon" [332] [333]. His final match for the team was the final of the 2013 Champions League, where he scored 14 runs in a victorious effort for the Indians. Across his 78 matches in the IPL, Tendulkar scored a total of 2,334 runs; at the time of his retirement, he was the fifth-highest run-scorer in the competition's history [334]. The Mumbai Indians, in a fitting tribute, retired his number 10 jersey [335]. He recently stepped down as the mentor of the franchise, citing unspecified personal reasons [336].

Playing style

Tendulkar plays a wristy leg-side flick.

Tendulkar, in a rather intriguing display of cross-dominance, bats, bowls, and throws with his right hand, yet writes with his left hand [337] [338]. He was also known to regularly practice left-handed throws in the nets, a testament to his dedication. ESPNcricinfo columnist Sambit Bal, with a touch of poetic flair, described him as the "most wholesome batsman of his time" [29]. His batting technique was founded on impeccable balance and poise, minimising unnecessary movements and flamboyant flourishes. He seemed to display little preference for the slow and low wickets typically found in India, having scored numerous centuries on the hard, bouncy pitches of South Africa and Australia [[29]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-29]. He is particularly renowned for his distinctive punch-style shot, effortlessly hitting the ball over square. His picture-perfect straight drive, often executed with an almost imperceptible follow-through, is frequently cited as his favourite shot [339]. In 2008, Sunil Gavaskar, in an article for the AFP, observed that "it is hard to imagine any player in the history of the game who combines classical technique with raw aggression like the little champion does" [340].

Sir Donald Bradman, widely regarded by many as the greatest batsman of all time, reportedly believed Tendulkar's batting style bore a striking resemblance to his own. His biography states that "Bradman was most taken by Tendulkar's technique, compactness and shot production, and had asked his wife to have a look at Tendulkar, having felt that Tendulkar played like him. Bradman's wife, Jessie, agreed that they did appear similar" [341] [[342]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-342]. High praise indeed, from a man who knew a thing or two about batting.

Tendulkar at the crease, getting ready to face a delivery

Former Australian cricket team coach John Buchanan offered a somewhat critical assessment, suggesting that Tendulkar had become susceptible to the short ball early in his innings due to a perceived lack of footwork [343]. Buchanan also believed Tendulkar possessed a weakness against left-arm pace [[343]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-343]. He was plagued by a series of injuries from 2004 onwards, which, not surprisingly, led to a noticeable shift in his batting approach, becoming less attacking. Explaining this evolution in his style, he acknowledged that he was batting differently because, firstly, no batsman can maintain the same aggressive approach throughout a prolonged career, and secondly, as a senior member of the team, he now carried greater responsibility. During the earlier phase of his career, he was undeniably a more attacking batsman, frequently scoring centuries at a run-a-ball pace or faster. Ian Chappell, the former Australian player, rather bluntly remarked in 2007 that, "Tendulkar now, is nothing like the player he was when he was a young bloke" [344]. A harsh truth, perhaps, but one that reflects the inevitable march of time and adaptation.

Tendulkar, ever innovative, integrated several modern and unorthodox strokes into his repertoire, particularly in his later years. These included the paddle sweep, the scoop over short fine leg, and the audacious slash to third man over the slips' heads [345]. He is frequently praised for his remarkable ability to adapt to the changing demands of his body while still maintaining a consistent scoring rate.

Tendulkar's bowling, while not his primary skill, was surprisingly effective. He claimed 201 wickets across all three formats of the international game. Though not a regular bowler, he possessed the ability to deliver medium pace, leg spin, and off spin. He was often deployed when two opposing batsmen had settled into a long partnership, frequently proving to be a useful "partnership breaker" [[346]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-346]. With his varied bowling, he contributed to securing Indian victories on more than one occasion [[347]](/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar#cite_note-347]. His career bowling statistics include 46 wickets in Tests, 154 in ODIs—where he ranks as India's twelfth-highest wicket-taker—and one solitary wicket in Twenty20 Internationals [348]. A true all-rounder, even if he didn't always get the credit for it.

Reception and legacy

Tendulkar's Wax Statue in Madame Tussauds, London

Tendulkar is, quite often, hailed as one of the greatest and most influential cricketers in the entire history of cricket. His consistent, almost machine-like, performances garnered him an immense fan following across the globe, even among Australian crowds, a notoriously tough audience, where Tendulkar consistently managed to score centuries [82]. One of the most popular, and perhaps telling, sayings by his devoted fans is, "Cricket is my religion and Sachin is my God" [349]. ESPNcricinfo, in its profile, rather succinctly notes that "... Tendulkar remains, by a distance, the most worshipped cricketer in the world" [29]. One can't help but wonder about the psychological implications of such deification.

During the Australian tour of India in 1998, Matthew Hayden, with perhaps a touch of hyperbole, famously declared, "I have seen God. He bats at no. 4 in India in Tests" [350]. However, Tendulkar himself, perhaps wisely, is reported to have stated, "I am not God of cricket. I make mistakes, God doesn't" [351]. A pragmatic response from someone burdened by such an epithet. Tendulkar even made a special appearance in the Bollywood film Stumped in 2003, playing himself [352].

On 24 February 2010, the sheer volume of traffic following Tendulkar's record-breaking performance—where he broke the record for the highest individual male score in a One Day International match against South Africa, becoming the first player to score 200* in the history of ODIs—caused the cricket website ESPNcricinfo to buckle under the strain. Over 5 million fans simultaneously visited the website, a testament to his unparalleled drawing power [353] [354].

There have been numerous documented instances of Tendulkar's fans engaging in rather extreme activities following his dismissal in a game. As reported by various Indian newspapers, for example, a young man tragically hanged himself due to distress over Tendulkar's failure to reach his 100th century [355]. A stark reminder of the intense, often unhealthy, emotional investment some place in sporting figures.

At home in Mumbai, Tendulkar's immense fan following necessitated a markedly different lifestyle. Ian Chappell once commented that he would be utterly unable to