Cricket is easily the most popular sport in India. In fact, it’s so popular that nine out of ten people follow it. With the beginnings of the sport traced back to the 18th century, it surely has come a long way both as a sport and a form of entertainment.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that a lot of spectators watch out for all cricket scores to see how their favorite teams and players are doing. But it isn’t just time that made cricket what it is today. All the successes that the sport has today are owed largely to the cricket legends who have thrilled enthusiasts throughout their careers.
One of these legends is Sachin Tendulkar. Learn more about his 24-year cricket career and his life outside the field in this post.
Born with Natural Talent
Like many talented players in various sports, it was as if Sachin was born to play cricket. As a kid, he had bullying tendencies which his older brother curbed by putting his attention on cricket instead. But when the reputable Indian coach Ramakant Achrekar saw him play, everyone knew that he was meant for something great.
And no one who believed in Tendulkar’s potential was disappointed. While training at Sharadashram Vidyamandir (English) High School, he gained a reputation as a child prodigy. Being in a school known for producing prominent cricket players helped him get the momentum he needed to eventually become one of the greats.
At 14, he went on to train as a fast bowler at the MRF Pace Foundation. Dennis Lillee, an Australian fast bowler and world record holder, was unimpressed with his performance and suggested he focus on batting instead. This set him on his path to being recognized as the best batsman in the world.
The Little Master Overpowering the Giants
Tendulkar may be shot in stature, but he sure doesn’t lack in the talent department. Despite retiring a few years back, he still holds the most Man of the Match awards in international cricket. He’s also garnered 15 Man of the Series awards throughout his career.
Even outside the field, he’s garnered awards. Among others, this includes being named one of the Asian Heroes by Time Magazine in 2006 and one of the top 100 most influential people in the world in 2010.
Life After Retirement
It may have been ten years already, but retirement can’t take Sachin Tendulkar from cricket. Tendulkar remained a prominent figure in the cricket scene after his retirement in December 2012. He still participated in exhibition matches and even became the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 ambassador in 2015.
But he’s also remained active beyond the realm of cricket. He’s participated in various noble causes dear to his heart. Apart from donating when the situation calls for it, he also built the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation. Its primary goal is to help promote equal opportunities for children by bringing together resources necessary to maximize the impact of their efforts. Currently, the foundation focuses on health, sports, and education.
No Matter What, Sachin Tendulkar Is Still a Cricket God
Despite all the good and bad surrounding his public persona, there’s one thing that no one can deny: he is a living cricket legend. During his decades-long career, he managed to continue to break records and bag world cup championships.
And today, Tendulkar is still considered the greatest batsman of all time. He may have retired already, but the mark he made during his career will remain for a long time.
