SACHIN TENDULKAR

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is an Indian former international cricketer renowned as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He holds the records for the highest run-scorer in both ODI and Test cricket, amassing over 18,000 and 15,000 runs, respectively. Known for his exceptional talent and dedication, Tendulkar captained the Indian national team and played a pivotal role in India's cricketing successes.

Tendulkar’s journey in cricket began at the age of eleven, and by sixteen, he made his Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989. His domestic career saw him representing Mumbai, and he quickly rose to prominence with consistent performances. Notably, in 2002, Wisden ranked him the second-greatest Test and ODI batsman of all time.

Over a remarkable career spanning 24 years, Tendulkar achieved numerous milestones. He was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup, a significant highlight in his career. Tendulkar's contribution to cricket earned him several prestigious awards from the Indian government, including the Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Vibhushan. In 2013, after his final match, he was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, making him the first sportsperson to receive it and the youngest recipient.

Tendulkar's early life was marked by his formative years in the Sahitya Sahawas Cooperative Housing Society in Bandra (East). Introduced to cricket by his elder brother Ajit, he trained under coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park in Dadar. His natural talent shone through, and he attended Sharadashram Vidyamandir School, known for producing notable cricketers. Tendulkar’s dedication to the sport was evident as he practiced tirelessly, winning several one-rupee coins from his coach as a reward for not getting dismissed during training sessions.

In his early domestic career, Tendulkar made an impact by scoring a century on his first-class debut for Bombay in the Ranji Trophy at just 15 years old. His performances in tournaments like the Deodhar and Duleep Trophies further established him as a promising cricketer. In 1992, he became the first overseas-born player to represent Yorkshire in county cricket.

Tendulkar's international career was filled with memorable innings and records. He made his Test debut at 16, becoming the youngest Indian to do so. His performance in the 1990 tour to England, where he scored an unbeaten 119 at Old Trafford, showcased his mature batting style. In the 1991-92 tour of Australia, he further impressed with centuries in Sydney and Perth, earning praise from the cricketing world.

As captain, Tendulkar faced challenges and mixed results. His first stint in 1996 saw the team's performance deteriorate, leading to criticism. Despite a tough tour of Australia during his second tenure, his individual performances remained commendable. Off the field, Tendulkar played a crucial role in exposing match-fixing attempts by South African players during their tour of India in 2000.

Tendulkar's on-field contributions continued to be significant, with notable performances in various tournaments. In the 2003 Cricket World Cup, he was the tournament's leading run-scorer and was awarded the Man of the Tournament. Despite a tennis elbow injury in 2004, he made impactful returns, achieving milestones like his 35th Test century in 2005 and becoming the first cricketer to score 15,000 Test runs in 2007.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Tendulkar was the icon player and captain of Mumbai Indians, leading the team in several seasons. He set a record for the most runs in a season in 2010 and earned Player of the Tournament honors. Tendulkar retired from IPL in 2013, and his jersey number 10 was retired by Mumbai Indians as a tribute.

Sachin Tendulkar's versatility as a cricketer extended beyond batting. He took 201 international wickets with his medium pace, leg spin, and off spin, often breaking crucial partnerships. His unique batting style, characterized by balance and poise, made him a formidable player on diverse pitches. He was particularly admired for his signature shots, including the punch over square and the straight drive.

Throughout his career, Tendulkar received numerous accolades. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997, Player of the Tournament in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and received the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year in 2010. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019 and honored with the Laureus World Sports Award for Best Sporting Moment in 2020.

Sachin Tendulkar married Anjali Mehta in 1995, and they have two children, Sara and Arjun. He practices Hinduism and is devoted to Lord Ganesha. Tendulkar has also been active in philanthropy, using his Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme funds for various charitable causes. He has promoted public health initiatives and supported relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to his cricketing achievements, Tendulkar ventured into business, signing several record-breaking sports management deals, owning restaurants, and co-owning teams in the Indian Super League and Premier Badminton League.

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