There was a time back in the days when Cricket in India just meant one thing. Roads got empty when he came on to bat, people churned out their nails when he batted on 99 and the entire nation united because of one man at the crease carrying the burden of the nation for over 24 years! We all have our fond memories of the greatest ambassadors in world cricket: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. On his birthday, BalleBaazi fantasy cricket takes a look back at some of the most unforgettable moments that made him the God that he is today.
But before that we’d like you to share your favorite Sachin Tendulkar memory in the comments below:
- The ‘Main Khelega’ incident: Pakistan 1989
Sachin Tendulkar was a legend even before he hit 100 100s, even before the desert storm, even before he sent Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, Henry Olanga, Shane Warne & Brett Lee to the cleaners, even before he scored 10,000 test & ODI runs. Yes, he showed signs of a legend in his debut series vs Pakistan. It was Waqar Younis who hit him on the chin & blood started flowing from the 16 year old’s chin all over his shirt. Sidhu at the other end recalls, “I thought Tendya was gone! His career’s finished.” Physio came running in and when the Mumbaikar was asked to leave, he replied, “Main Khelega!” Everybody was stunned with this demonstration of determination from the young Sachin. Sidhu & Sachin went on to score 97 & 58 and as a result, they saved their team from an evident loss.
- The Henry Olanga Revenge, Sharjah 1998
After getting out in the pre-final match against Henry Olanga, Sachin was restless for the next 36 hours until the final. He listened to ‘Guns & Roses’ before he absolutely almost finished Olonga’s cricketing career. Henry Olanga was smashed to all parts of the ground particularly on the short ball at which he got Sachin out 2 nights ago. Sachin Tendulkar made his intentions very clear in that 124* off just 92 balls helping India win the final.
- The Desert Storm, Sharjah 1998
The most memorable Sachin Tendulkar memory: Sachin+Sharjah+Tony Greig. Yes, the year of 1998 is etched in every cricket lover’s memory as the golden era of Sachin. The famous desert storm innings when Sachin helped India qualify to the finals with his 143 and then scoring 134 two nights later got Australia thinking, where did they go wrong! Sachin absolutely demolished the likes of Warne, Kasprowicks, Gillespie & Damien Fleming, to record the best cricketing eras in world sports history.
- 98 off 75 vs Pakistan, 2003 World Cup
Sachin Tendulkar was back in form whenever he stood at the big stage. During the 2003 World Cup, Shoaib Akhtar had started controversies around saying that he’s not going to let Sachin play to his fullest abilities. Little did he know what was going to happen! One day later, in the starting overs, Akhtar bowled a short outside the off-stump delivery. What happened next is cricket’s fondest memory in an India vs Pakistan match. Sachin smashed the ball out of the ground for a big six. Coming back to his bowling run-up, the non-striker Virendra Sehwag reminded Akhtar- who was the boss here (Baap Baap Hota Hai!).
- The Crowd Mover; Timeless
When Sachin surpassed Brian Lara to become the highest run-getter in tests, the entire Mohali stadium went berserk, firecrackers went off all over the place and the game had to pause for a good 5 minutes to let the moment soak in. When Sachin scored 200* the country got together and gave tributes in every form possible, the 100 of 100s took the world by storm as a long awaited moment had finally arrived! The biggest of all crowd-moving moments: The retirement speech. The day over a billion people cried in unison bidding farewell to the master blaster.
With so many records in the list, Sachin Tendulkar has been a great sportsman promoting fairplay throughout his cricketing career. He went away when he was out off his own relish, he never sledged the opposition and was always humble on & still is off the field. Thank you Sachin for the memories, thank you for giving us all the reason to love the game, buy MRF bats, buy a BOOST bottle & the dream of becoming a world cup winning nation.
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