Sachin Tendulkar Centuries:
Cricket, often referred to as a gentleman’s game, has seen its fair share of legends. Moreover, among them, one name that resonates through the ages is Sachin Tendulkar. Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest batsmen to ever grace the sport, Tendulkar’s career is a testament to his unparalleled skill, unwavering dedication, and a remarkable ability to score centuries consistently. In this tribute to the “Little Master,” we explore his incredible journey to becoming the first cricketer to achieve 100 international centuries.
Batting Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 200 | 329 | 15,921 | 248 | 53.79 | 51 | 68 | 2058 | 69 |
| ODI | 463 | 452 | 18,426 | 200 | 44.83 | 49 | 96 | 2016 | 195 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 | 10 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| IPL | 78 | 78 | 2,334 | 100 | 33.83 | 1 | 13 | 295 | 29 |
The Legend Begins
Sachin Tendulkar, the man who would go on to rewrite cricketing history, made his Test debut in 1989 at the tender age of 16. However, it wasn’t until 1990, at Old Trafford, Manchester, that Tendulkar marked his arrival on the international scene with his maiden Test century. He crafted an exquisite innings, amassing 119 runs and leaving spectators in awe of his precocious talent.
A Century Against Every Nation
One of the remarkable facets of Tendulkar’s Test career is his ability to score centuries against every Test-playing nation. Additionally, he achieved the rare distinction of being the second batsman to score 150 or more against each of these nations. From England to Australia, South Africa to Pakistan, and beyond, Tendulkar conquered every cricketing frontier. However, the only exception to this remarkable feat was Zimbabwe, the only Test-playing nation against which he didn’t record a Test century.
In October 2010, Tendulkar etched his name in history books yet again, surpassing Brian Lara’s record of 19 scores of 150 or more by notching up his 20th against Australia in Bangalore. However, the pinnacle of his Test career came in 2004 when he crafted a majestic 248 not out against Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka. It remains one of the highest individual scores in Test cricket and a testament to his unwavering focus and ability to convert starts into mammoth innings.
Sachin Tendulkar Record-Breaking Journey
Sachin Tendulkar didn’t just break records; he obliterated them. His Test centuries came in all flavors – from gritty, match-saving innings to majestic displays of stroke play. He reached the milestone of six double centuries and remained unbeaten on 15 occasions. But what truly sets Tendulkar apart is the diversity of venues where he achieved these feats. His centuries graced 30 different cricket grounds, with a staggering 27 of them being scored outside India.
While Tendulkar was a master of converting fifties into centuries, he did face his share of near misses. He was dismissed between scores of 90 and 99 on nine occasions, leaving fans and himself yearning for that elusive three-figure mark.
Master of the One-Day International Arena
Tendulkar’s genius wasn’t confined to Test cricket; he was equally dominant in the One-Day International (ODI) format. Despite making his ODI debut in 1989, it took him five years to register his first ODI century. That century came against Australia in September 1994 when he scored 110 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the Singer World Series.
In the world of ODIs, he achieved a rare distinction by scoring centuries against 11 different opponents, encompassing all cricketing nations with permanent ODI status. One of his most iconic moments in ODI history was becoming the first batsman to score a double century in the format. This historic achievement unfolded at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior in 2010, when he amassed an astonishing 200 not out against South Africa.
However, it’s not just his centuries that define Tendulkar’s ODI legacy. He was dismissed between scores of 90 and 99 on 18 occasions and between 80 and 89 on 17 occasions, highlighting his ability to consistently convert good starts into substantial scores.
A Century of Centuries
The pinnacle of Sachin Tendulkar’s illustrious career came on that historic day in March 2012. The cricketing world held its breath as Tendulkar walked out to bat against Bangladesh. It was a moment of destiny. And as the world watched in awe, he notched up his 100th international century, becoming the first and only cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat.
Tendulkar’s 114 against Bangladesh was not just another century; it was a testament to his unyielding passion, his unwavering commitment, and his enduring love for the game. It was a moment that transcended boundaries and united cricket fans worldwide in celebration of a true legend.
Also Read:
Sachin Tendulkar Legacy
In the annals of cricketing history, Sachin Tendulkar’s name shines brightly, a beacon of excellence that inspires generations to come. His centuries are more than just runs on the board; they are a symbol of cricketing perfection, etched forever in the hearts of those who witnessed his greatness.His legacy continues to inspire generations of cricketers, reminding us that with talent, hard work, and an unyielding passion for the game, one can achieve greatness on the cricket field. Sachin Tendulkar will forever be remembered as a cricketing legend and a century-making maestro.
