Sachin Tendulkar holding the 2011 World Cup in Mumbai
In 1989 at a tender age of 16, a young Sachin Tendulkar made his international debut with a baptism of fire in Pakistan. The cricketer carried the country’s burden for the subsequent 24 years, and played the last of his 664 matches before a pre-planned retirement.
Sachin Tendulkar bludgeons first Test century
While Tendulkar retired with a Test match against West Indies in front of his home ground in November 2013, the batting legend had made his intentions clear a month in advance itself.
It was on the 10th of October that year, when the ‘Master Blaster’ decided to shock the entirety of cricket’s fraternity with a sudden-yet-inevitable announcement.
Sachin's emotional farewell speech
Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement announcement completes nine years
Sachin Tendulkar played with style, substance and a bit of flare that made his batting a penchant and his personality a sweetheart of world cricket.
The cricketer plundered every possible major batting record across internationals. He mastered the art of Test match batting, and even conquered opponents in 50-overs clothing the world over. His imperial run in 2011 World Cup, and him lifting the elusive trophy brought smiles to many, for he had finally claimed the ultimate silverware during the twilight stages of his career.
The right-hander seemed to have taken a special liking to Australia, the world champions and world-beaters from his time. He scored the 20 of his 100 international tons against them, most by any player against a single opponent. Moreover, his 100 tons overall still remains at a clear distance from other batters.
Tendulkar also holds the record for piling up most runs in Tests, ODIs, and remains the highest ton-maker in each of the two formats.
In his farewell Test in November 2013, the ‘Master Blaster’ countered Darren Sammy-led West Indies attack to compile 74.
 "Aakash Saini")
