In a small colony of Mumbai, a young boy with a bat in his hand and dreams in his eyes would spend countless hours hitting a rubber ball against the walls of his society. That boy was Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, who would go on to become one of the greatest cricketers in the world.
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| 1989, when Sachin Tendulkar age was 15 years |
Early Struggles
Born on 24th April 1973, Sachin’s childhood was not very different from that of other Indian kids. But his passion for cricket set him apart. His elder brother, Ajit Tendulkar, noticed his talent and took him to Ramakant Achrekar, a famous cricket coach. Under Achrekar’s strict guidance, young Sachin practiced for hours, often batting in multiple matches in a single day. Sometimes, he would even play with a coin kept on the stump by his coach — if bowlers could not dismiss him, they earned the coin. Sachin still treasures those coins as a symbol of his struggle and dedication.
Sachin faced challenges too. Traveling long hours by Mumbai’s crowded local trains with heavy cricket kits was not easy. He often woke up before dawn, practiced till late evening, and returned home exhausted. But his determination never faded.
Rise to Stardom
At just 16 years old, Sachin made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989. Facing the fiery pace attack of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, the teenager showed remarkable courage. His bloodied nose from a bouncer did not stop him from continuing to bat — a glimpse of the grit that would define his career.
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| Sachin, art of batting on the crease |
From there, Sachin’s journey was extraordinary. He became the backbone of Indian batting, earning nicknames like “Little Master” and “God of Cricket.” Fans waited for his innings, stadiums filled up when he walked to the crease, and bowlers feared his straight drive.
Career Highlights
- 100 international centuries – a record unmatched.
- Over 34,000 runs across formats – the highest by any player.
- First player to score a double century in ODI cricket (200 runs vs South Africa, 2010).
- Key role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory, fulfilling his lifelong dream.
But his career was not just glory. Sachin faced injuries, criticism, and immense pressure. Millions of fans placed their hopes on his shoulders, and every failure brought harsh judgment. Yet, he remained humble, focused, and resilient.
Life Beyond Cricket
Sachin retired from international cricket in 2013, leaving behind a career that spanned 24 years. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, becoming the youngest recipient.
Off the field, he is a devoted family man, married to Anjali Tendulkar, with two children, Sara and Arjun. Sachin has also engaged in philanthropy, supporting underprivileged children and promoting sports in India.
Legacy
Sachin’s story is not just about records; it is about discipline, perseverance, and humility. From a boy practicing under Mumbai’s scorching sun to becoming a global icon, he proved that with hard work and determination, dreams do come true.
Even today, when people speak of cricket, the first name that comes to mind is Sachin Tendulkar — the man who carried the hopes of a billion people and inspired generations to believe in the power of passion and dedication.
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