Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (Sachin Tendulkar) was born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai (then Bombay) into a Marathi Brahmin family. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, was a respected Marathi novelist, poet, and professor, while his mother, Rajni Tendulkar, worked in the insurance sector. Sachin was the youngest of four siblings—Ajit, Nitin, and Savita being his elder brothers and sister.
Growing up in Bandra East, Sachin was a mischievous and highly energetic child. His brother Ajit Tendulkar recognized his boundless energy and introduced him to cricket at the age of 11. Ajit took Sachin to the famous coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, where Sachin’s talent became evident almost instantly.
Under Achrekar’s strict and disciplined guidance, Sachin would practice for hours every day. Anecdotes suggest that Achrekar would place a coin on the stumps during practice matches and tell the bowlers: “Whoever gets Sachin out will take the coin home.” If Sachin remained unbeaten, he got the coin. To this day, Sachin treasures those coins as among his most valuable possessions.
During his school days at Sharadashram Vidyamandir School, Sachin’s cricketing abilities skyrocketed. Along with his childhood friend and batting partner Vinod Kambli, Sachin created records in school cricket that were unheard of—most famously, their 664-run partnership in a Harris Shield match in 1988. Sachin’s batting exploits in school and domestic cricket made him a household name in Mumbai well before he played for India.
Cricket Career
Domestic & Early Days
Ranji Trophy Debut (1988) – At just 15 years old, Sachin scored a century on debut for Mumbai against Gujarat, becoming the youngest Indian to do so.
He repeated this rare feat in Deodhar Trophy and Duleep Trophy debuts, marking himself as a generational talent.
International Debut Matches
- Test Debut (Nov 15, 1989) – Against Pakistan in Karachi at the age of just 16. Despite facing legendary fast bowlers like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, he stood tall and impressed with his technique and courage.
- ODI Debut (Dec 18, 1989) – Also against Pakistan, in a format where he would go on to rewrite record books.
Rise to Stardom
By the early 1990s, Sachin was already the backbone of Indian batting. His maiden Test century against England at Old Trafford in 1990 saved India from defeat and announced him as a prodigy to the world. Throughout the decade, India often relied on Sachin single-handedly to win matches, leading to the phrase: “India’s hopes rest on Tendulkar.”
Major Achievements & Records
- 100 International Centuries – 51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs (a record unlikely to be broken soon).
- First-ever double century in ODIs – 200* vs South Africa in 2010.
- Most International Runs – Over 34,000 across formats.
- Most Test Runs – 15,921 in 200 Tests.
- Most ODI Runs – 18,426 in 463 ODIs.
- Most World Cup Runs – 2,278 runs across 6 editions.
- Played Six Cricket World Cups (1992–2011).
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner – Achieved his lifelong dream.
International Career Highlights
- 1996 World Cup – Emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, carrying India’s batting.
- 2003 World Cup – Scored 673 runs, still the most in a single edition. Won Player of the Tournament despite India losing the final to Australia.
- Captaincy (1996 & 1999) – Despite his brilliance as a batsman, India struggled under his leadership. Sachin himself admitted captaincy was the most difficult phase of his career.
- Famous Duels – His battles with world-class bowlers like Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, Glenn McGrath, and Shoaib Akhtar became legendary chapters in cricket history.
Memorable Performances
- 241 vs Australia (Sydney, 2004)* – After repeatedly getting dismissed playing cover drives, Sachin deliberately avoided the shot and batted with extreme discipline, guiding India to a strong total.
- 200 vs South Africa (Gwalior, 2010)* – The first-ever double century in ODI history, redefining what was possible in the format.
- 98 vs Pakistan (2003 World Cup) – A knock etched in every Indian’s memory; his assault on Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis set the tone for India’s victory.
- 175 vs Australia (Hyderabad, 2009) – A brilliant innings that almost single-handedly won India the match.
Retirement
- ODI Retirement – December 23, 2012.
- Test Retirement – November 16, 2013, at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium, in his 200th Test match. The farewell was an emotional national event, with the entire country celebrating his career.
- T20I Retirement – 2006.
His final speech, thanking his family, coaches, teammates, and fans, is remembered as one of the most emotional moments in cricket history.
Personal Life
- Father: Ramesh Tendulkar (Marathi novelist).
- Mother: Rajni Tendulkar (Insurance employee).
- Siblings:
- Ajit Tendulkar – Mentor in his early career.
- Nitin Tendulkar – Elder brother.
- Savita Tendulkar – Elder sister.
- Ajit Tendulkar – Mentor in his early career.
- Wife: Anjali Tendulkar (Pediatrician, married in 1995).
- Children:
- Sara Tendulkar (Daughter).
- Arjun Tendulkar (Son, cricketer playing for Mumbai Indians).
- Sara Tendulkar (Daughter).
Physical Stats
- Height: 5’5” (165 cm).
- Weight: ~62 kg (137 lbs).
- Eye Color: Dark Brown.
- Hair Color: Black.
Playing Style & Technique
Sachin was admired for his perfect balance, timing, and shot selection. His straight drive down the ground became one of cricket’s most iconic shots. He could adapt his batting depending on the situation—gritty and patient in Tests, destructive in ODIs.
He faced the world’s most fearsome bowlers—Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Shane Warne, and Muttiah Muralitharan—with unmatched composure. Warne himself admitted Sachin gave him nightmares after the 1998 Sharjah “Desert Storm” innings, where Tendulkar single-handedly demolished Australia.
Awards & Honors
- Bharat Ratna (2014) – India’s highest civilian honor; youngest recipient ever.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1997–98).
- Padma Shri (1999).
- Padma Vibhushan (2008).
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1997).
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2010).
- Arjuna Award (1994).
Post-Retirement Life
- Served as a Rajya Sabha Member (2012–2018).
- Established the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, working for education and healthcare of underprivileged children.
- Mentored the Mumbai Indians in IPL, contributing to their success.
- Engaged in several business ventures, endorsements, and even launched his autobiography “Playing It My Way”, which became a bestseller.
Legacy & Influence
Sachin Tendulkar is not just a cricketer but a global sporting icon. He is celebrated as the “God of Cricket”, not just for his records but for the hope and joy he gave to millions of fans.
For over two decades, whenever Sachin walked out to bat, India stopped to watch. His humility, discipline, and love for the game continue to inspire young cricketers.
Even after retirement, his influence remains unparalleled. His name is synonymous with Indian cricket, and his journey from a boy in Mumbai to a global icon embodies the dreams of millions.
