Sachin Tendulkar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sachin Tendulkar

Tendulkar in 2017
Personal information
Full name	Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
Born	(1973-04-24) 24 April 1973 (age 52) Bombay, India
Nickname	Little Master Master Blaster
Height	165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm leg break Right-arm off break
Role	Top order Batter
Relations	Ramesh Tendulkar (father) Arjun Tendulkar (son)
International information
National side	India (1989–2013)
Test debut (cap 187)	15 November 1989 v Pakistan
Last Test	14 November 2013 v West Indies
ODI debut (cap 74)	18 December 1989 v Pakistan
Last ODI	18 March 2012 v Pakistan
ODI shirt no.	10 (formerly 99, 33)
Only T20I (cap 11)	1 December 2006 v South Africa
T20I shirt no.	10
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1988–2013	Mumbai
1992	Yorkshire
1994	East Bengal
2008–2013	Mumbai Indians (squad no. 10)
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI FC LA Matches 200 463 310 551 Runs scored 15,921 18,426 25,396 21,999 Batting average 53.78 44.83 57.84 45.54 100s/50s 51/68 49/96 81/116 60/114 Top score 248* 200* 248* 200* Balls bowled 4,240 8,054 7,605 10,230 Wickets 46 154 71 201 Bowling average 54.17 44.48 61.74 42.17 5 wickets in innings 0 2 0 2 10 wickets in match 0 0 0 0 Best bowling 3/10 5/32 3/10 5/32 Catches/stumpings 115/– 140/– 186/– 175/–
Medal record Men's cricket Representing  India ODI World Cup Winner 2011 India-Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Runner-up 2003 South Africa-Zimbabwe-Kenya Champions Trophy Winner 2002 Sri Lanka Runner-up 2000 Kenya Asia Cup Winner 1990–91 India Winner 1995 UAE
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 15 November 2013
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
In office 27 April 2012 – 26 April 2018
Constituency	Nominated
Personal details
Awards	Bharat Ratna Padma Vibhushan Padma Shri Maharashtra Bhushan Khel Ratna Award Arjuna Award Honorary Member of the Order of Australia
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	India
Branch/service	Indian Air Force
Years of service	2010–present
Rank	Honorary Group Captain

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (born 24 April 1973) is an Indian former international cricket player. He was also the captain of the Indian national team. Many people consider him one of the greatest cricketers ever. He holds several world records, like being the highest run-scorer in both ODI and Test cricket. He also received the most "player of the match" awards in international cricket. Sachin is the only batsman to score 100 international centuries. From 2012 to 2018, he was a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha in India.

Sachin started playing cricket at age eleven. He made his first Test match appearance on 15 November 1989 against Pakistan. He was only sixteen years old then. He played for Mumbai in India and for India internationally for over 24 years. In 2002, Wisden magazine called him the second-greatest Test batsman of all time. They also named him the second-greatest ODI batsman ever. Sachin was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He had also been named "Player of the Tournament" at the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar received many awards from the government of India. These include the Arjuna Award (1994) and the Khel Ratna Award (1997). He also received the Padma Shri (1998) and the Padma Vibhushan (2008). After his last match in November 2013, he received the Bharat Ratna. This is India's highest civilian award. He was the first sportsperson to get this award and is still the youngest person to receive it. In 2019, he was added to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Sachin Tendulkar's Early Life

Sachin Tendulkar was born in Bombay, Maharashtra, India, on 24 April 1973. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, was a writer and poet. His mother, Rajni, worked in insurance. Sachin's father named him after his favorite music director, Sachin Dev Burman. Sachin has three older siblings: two half-brothers, Nitin and Ajit, and a half-sister, Savita.

As a child, Sachin loved both tennis and cricket. He looked up to American tennis player John McEnroe. His older brother, Ajit, introduced him to cricket in 1984. Ajit took him to cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park in Dadar.

Learning Cricket Skills

Coach Achrekar was impressed with Sachin's talent. He told Sachin to change schools to Sharadashram Vidyamandir School. This school was known for producing many great cricketers. Sachin practiced for many hours every day. If he got tired, Achrekar would put a one-rupee coin on top of the stumps. The bowler who got Sachin out would win the coin. If Sachin finished the practice without getting out, he would get the coin. Sachin says the 13 coins he won are among his most special possessions.

In 1987, at age 14, Sachin went to the MRF Pace Foundation in Madras (now Chennai). He wanted to train as a fast bowler. However, the coach, Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, told him to focus on his batting instead.

Record-Breaking Partnerships

In 1988, while playing for Sharadashram, Sachin and Vinod Kambli made an amazing 664-run partnership. This happened in a school game against St. Xavier's High School. Sachin scored 326 runs without getting out in that match. He scored over 1,000 runs in the whole tournament. This was a world record for a cricket partnership until 2006.

Starting His Cricket Career

On 11 December 1988, at just 15 years old, Sachin made his debut for Bombay. He scored 100 runs without getting out in that match. This made him the youngest Indian to score a century in his first first-class cricket match. He also scored centuries in his first matches in the Deodhar Trophy and Duleep Trophy, which are other Indian cricket tournaments.

In 1992, at age 19, Sachin became the first player from outside Yorkshire to play for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Before him, this club only picked players from Yorkshire. He played 16 matches for them and scored 1,070 runs.

International Cricket Journey

Sachin Tendulkar was chosen to play for the Indian team on their tour of Pakistan in late 1989. He was the youngest player to make his debut for India in Tests and ODIs.

Early International Tours

Sachin made his Test debut against Pakistan in November 1989. He was only 16 years and 205 days old. He scored 15 runs and was noted for how he handled fast bowling. In one exhibition game, he scored 53 runs off just 18 balls. The Indian captain at the time called it "one of the best innings I have seen."

In 1990, on a tour to England, Sachin became the second-youngest cricketer to score a Test century. He made 119 runs without getting out. Wisden magazine said his innings showed "immense maturity."

Sachin's reputation grew during the 1991–92 tour of Australia. He scored 148 runs without getting out in Sydney. He then scored 114 runs on a very fast pitch in Perth. An Australian bowler, Merv Hughes, even told his captain, "This little prick's going to get more runs than you."

Becoming an ODI Star

Sachin started opening the batting in One Day International (ODI) matches in 1994. He scored his first ODI century on 9 September 1994 against Australia. He played in 78 ODIs before scoring his first century.

Tendulkar waits at the bowler's end.

Sachin was the top run-scorer at the 1996 Cricket World Cup. He scored two centuries in that tournament. He was the only Indian batsman who played well in the semi-final against Sri Lanka.

In 1998, Sachin played against Australia in Sharjah. He scored 143 runs, including 5 sixes against famous bowler Shane Warne. This innings is known as the "Desert Storm" because a sandstorm stopped the game. The ICC later voted it as Sachin's best ODI innings.

Leading the Indian Team

Sachin Tendulkar was captain of the Indian cricket team twice. However, his time as captain was not very successful. He became captain in 1996. He later resigned in 2000, and Sourav Ganguly took over.

In 2007, when the Indian captain Rahul Dravid wanted to step down, the cricket board offered the captaincy to Sachin. But Sachin suggested Mahendra Singh Dhoni instead. Dhoni went on to become a very successful captain for India.

Amazing Achievements and Records

In 2001, during India's tour of South Africa, Sachin was accused of cleaning the cricket ball. This caused a big controversy, but the charges against him were later dropped.

In 2002, Sachin scored his 29th Test century, matching the record of the legendary Donald Bradman. He achieved this in his 93rd Test match. He then scored his 30th Test century in his 99th Test match, breaking Bradman's record.

World Cup Heroics

Sachin scored 673 runs in 11 matches during the 2003 Cricket World Cup. He helped India reach the final. Even though Australia won the final, Sachin was named the "Man of the Tournament" for his outstanding performance.

Dominating Australia

Tendulkar, upon reaching his 38th Test century against Australia in the 2nd Test at the SCG in 2008, where he finished not out on 154

In 2003–04, during India's tour of Australia, Sachin scored an amazing 241 runs without getting out in Sydney. He spent over 10 hours batting in that innings! This helped India get into a very strong position.

In 2008, during India's tour of Australia, Sachin showed great form. He scored 154 runs without getting out in Sydney. This was his 38th Test century. He also scored 153 runs in Adelaide, earning him the "Man of the Match" award.

Breaking More Records

In July 2008, Sachin needed 177 runs to break Brian Lara's record for most Test runs. He achieved this milestone during Australia's tour of India. He scored 88 runs in the second Test, breaking Lara's record of 11,953 Test runs. He also became the first player to reach 12,000 Test runs.

In 2009, Sachin scored an unbeaten 163 runs in an ODI against New Zealand. He had to stop batting due to cramps, but India still won the match. In October 2009, he scored his 45th ODI century, making 175 runs off 141 balls against Australia. During this match, he also became the first player to reach 17,000 ODI runs.

In 2010, Sachin made history by scoring 200 runs without getting out in an ODI match against South Africa. He became the first male batsman in the world to score a double century in ODI cricket.

Tendulkar's shot to reach 14,000 Test runs. He was batting against Australia in October 2010.

Winning the World Cup

Historic Moment during winning of 2011 Cricket World Cup

In 2011, Sachin was a key player in India's victory at the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He scored 482 runs in the tournament, including two centuries. He was India's top run-scorer. India defeated Sri Lanka in the final. After the win, Sachin said, "Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life. ... I couldn't control my tears of joy."

On 8 November 2011, Sachin made another record. He became the first cricketer to score 15,000 runs in Test cricket.

The 100th Century

On 16 March 2012, Sachin achieved a truly remarkable feat. He scored his 100th international century in a match against Bangladesh. This was a pioneering achievement, as he became the first cricketer ever to reach this landmark. This century was also his first ODI century against Bangladesh. Sachin later said that the constant focus on his 100th century was very challenging for him.

Retirement from Cricket

After many years of playing, Sachin announced his retirement from One Day International cricket on 23 December 2012. He continued to play Test matches for a short while longer.

He also retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his team, Mumbai Indians, won the Indian Premier League 2013. He played his last Twenty20 match in September–October 2013.

On 10 October 2013, Sachin announced that he would retire from all forms of cricket. His last two Test matches were arranged to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai, his home ground. He scored 74 runs in his very last Test innings against West Indies.

Life After Cricket

After retiring, Sachin continued to be involved in cricket. In July 2014, he captained the MCC team in a special match at Lord's. In December 2014, he became the ambassador for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Charity Matches and Coaching

Tendulkar fielding in his 199th Test match in Eden Gardens (he is seen wearing a hat)

Sachin has organized exhibition cricket matches with other famous players like Shane Warne. These matches, called "Cricket All-Stars," were held in baseball stadiums in the US.

In February 2020, he played in the Bushfire Cricket Bash. This was a charity match to raise money for Australian bushfire victims. He also coached the Ponting XI team during "The Big Appeal."

Playing Style of Sachin Tendulkar

Tendulkar plays a wristy leg-side flick

Sachin Tendulkar is known for his balanced and graceful batting style. He could hit the ball powerfully and precisely. His straight drive shot is often called his favorite. Sir Donald Bradman, considered the greatest batsman of all time, thought Sachin's batting style was similar to his own. Bradman even asked his wife to watch Sachin play because he felt Sachin batted like him.

Tendulkar at the crease, getting ready to face a delivery

Over his long career, Sachin changed his batting style to adapt. He added new and clever shots, like the paddle sweep and the scoop shot. He is praised for being able to keep scoring runs consistently even as his body changed.

Tendulkar has taken 201 wickets across all three formats of the international game.

Even though he was mainly a batsman, Sachin could also bowl. He could bowl medium pace, leg spin, and off spin. He often bowled to break partnerships between opposing batsmen. He took 201 international wickets in his career.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Sachin receiving the Padma Vibhushan from President Pratibha Patil in May 2008

Sachin receiving the Bharat Ratna Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in February 2014

Sachin Tendulkar has received many awards and honors throughout his career.

National Honors

• Arjuna Award (1994): For outstanding achievement in sports.
• Khel Ratna Award (1997–98): India's highest sports honor.
• Padma Shri (1999): India's fourth-highest civilian award.
• Maharashtra Bhushan Award (2001): Maharashtra state's highest civilian award.
• Padma Vibhushan (2008): India's second-highest civilian award.
• Honorary Group Captain (2010): From the Indian Air Force.
• Bharat Ratna (2014): India's highest civilian award.

Sporting Honors

2013 Indian postage stamps commemorating Sachin Tendulkar's 200th Test Match

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1997).
• Player of the Tournament in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year (2010).
• Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2019).
• Laureus World Sports Award for Best Sporting Moment (2000–2020).
• In 2023, on his 50th birthday, the West Stand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium was renamed the 'Sachin Tendulkar Stand'.
• Also in 2023, the Sydney Cricket Ground unveiled gates named after Tendulkar and Brian Lara.

Career Statistics and Records

Sachin Tendulkar holds many records in cricket. He is the highest run-scorer in Test matches, with 15,921 runs. He is also the highest run-scorer in ODI matches, with 18,426 runs. He is the only player to score more than 30,000 runs in all international cricket combined.

He scored over 1,000 runs in a calendar year in ODIs 7 times. In 1998, he scored 1,894 runs, which is the record for the most runs in a single year in ODIs. He was the first male cricketer to score a double-century in one-day cricket.

Sachin was also part of a very successful Test cricket partnership with Rahul Dravid. Together, they scored 6920 runs for India.

He was the first batsman to score 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, 14,000, and 15,000 runs in Test cricket. He was also the first player to score 10,000 runs in one-day internationals.

Centuries Scored

Tendulkar's international centuries

	Test	ODI	Total
Australia	11	9	20
Sri Lanka	9	8	17
South Africa	7	5	12
England	7	2	9
New Zealand	4	5	9
West Indies	3	4	7
Zimbabwe	3	5	8
Pakistan	2	5	7
Bangladesh	5	1	6
Kenya	-	4	4
Namibia	-	1	1
Total	51	49	100

Sachin holds the record for the most centuries in Tests (51). He is second in the number of centuries in ODIs (49). When Tests and ODIs are combined, he has 100 centuries, which is a world record. He is the only player to have scored 50 centuries in Test cricket.

He also holds the record for hitting the most centuries in Cricket World Cups, with six centuries. He was the first player to score 2000 runs in World Cup cricket.

Match Wins and Appearances

Sachin holds the world record for playing the most Test matches (200) and ODI matches (463). He has been part of the most wins by an Indian player in both Test cricket (72 wins) and ODIs (234 wins).

He was named "Man of the Match" 13 times in Test matches and "Man of the Series" four times. In ODIs, he was "Man of the Match" 62 times and "Man of the Series" 15 times.

Personal Life

Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali

On 24 May 1995, Sachin married Anjali Mehta, who was a doctor. They first met in 1990. Anjali decided to stop her medical career after they got married. They have two children, Sara and Arjun. Sachin lives in a house in Mumbai.

Sachin is a Hindu. He follows Sathya Sai Baba and is a devotee of Ganesha.

Business and Other Interests

Sachin's popularity helped him become a leader in cricket business deals in India. He signed big sports management deals during his career. He also started his own sports management company.

Sachin opened two restaurants in Mumbai, called Tendulkar's and Sachin's. He also co-owned a football team, the Kerala Blasters FC, and a badminton team, the Bengaluru Blasters.

Political Role

In April 2012, Sachin was chosen by the President of India to be a member of the Rajya Sabha. This is the upper house of India's parliament. He was the first active sportsperson to receive this honor. He did not accept the house given to him in New Delhi, saying it was a "waste of taxpayers' money."

During his time as a Member of Parliament, Sachin's attendance at sessions was low. However, he donated his entire salary and allowances from this role to the Prime Minister Relief Fund. This fund helps people in need.

Helping Others and Public Awareness

Sachin Tendulkar has a charitable organization called the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation. He has also supported many other charity campaigns.

Since November 2013, he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia and India.

Health and Sanitation

In 2003, Sachin worked with UNICEF to spread awareness about preventing polio in India. In 2010, he helped raise money for a campaign called "Crusade against cancer in children."

Sachin also became involved with UNICEF's efforts to promote hygiene and sanitation. He led UNICEF's Team Swachh Bharat campaign, which supported the Indian government's Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission). This campaign aimed to improve sanitation in India. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Sachin as one of the first celebrities to promote this mission. Sachin even posted a video of himself sweeping a street in Mumbai.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sachin donated money to help those affected. He also donated to a group that imported oxygen concentrators to help patients.

Education Support

In 2011, Sachin spent nine hours on a "Support My School" telethon. This campaign raised money to build basic facilities, like toilets for girl students, in 140 government schools. Since 2009, Sachin has also sponsored the education of 200 children through a non-governmental organization called Apnalaya.

After Playing Cricket

In 2015, Sachin was appointed to the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This committee helps choose the head coach for the Indian cricket team. He later resigned from this role.

In 2019, Sachin made his debut as a Cricket commentator during the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

See also

In Spanish: Sachin Tendulkar para niños