Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has broken many records, including the highest run-getter in both Tests and ODIs, 100 international hundreds (51 Tests centuries and 49 ODI), first man to hit a double hundred in ODI and several others during his illustrious career spanning two decades.
The 40-year-old cricketer, whom fans fondly call Little Master, awaits another milestone as he is set to play his 200th Test match during West Indies tour of India in November, before bidding adieu to all forms of cricket.
Here we bring you 10 most memorable moments in the Master Blaster's cricketing career:
1) 2011 World Cup
Holding the World Cup trophy remained elusive despite five appearances, but the much-awaited moment came in his sixth appearance in 2011 after India beat Sri Lanka in the final at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The boys in blue lifted him even as he waved the tricolor. He described the winning moment as emotional and said he couldn't hold back his tears.
2) Win against Pakistan in 2003 World Cup
The Little Master scored 98 that included one six and 12 fours in the match against Pakistan in 2003 World Cup, helping India win by six wickets. He had scored many big knocks before but considered the one at Super Sport Park, Centurion as "the biggest of my life".
3) 100th Century
After a one-year wait, Sachin finally scored his 100th century (Test and ODI) on 16 March 2012 against Bangladesh in Asia Cup. His 99th century was against South Africa on 12 March 2011, so the elusive century came as a big relief both for the batsman and his fans around the world. He said after the match that he should not have taken that long to score a century.
4) 1998 Chennai Test against Australia
Australia were leading the first innings of Chennai Test by 71 runs. But Sachin Tendulkar's 155 off 191 balls, that included four sixes and 14 fours, changed the very course of the game, helping India win the match by a whopping 179 runs and romped home the series 2-1.
5) ODI Double Century
He was not getting any younger at 37 and media had started speculating on his retirement but Sachin silenced critics by scoring the first ever double century in the history of ODI cricket. His unbeaten 200 off 147 consisting of three sixes and 25 fours against South Africa in Gwalior on 24 February 2010 is the highest score by an individual in ODI.
6) First Test Century
After making his Test debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16, Tendulkar announced his arrival by scoring an unbeaten 119 at Old Trafford in Manchester during the tour of England in 1990. The ton being the first will remain one of the most memorable moments of his career.
7) CB Series in Australia
Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 117 in the first final of the CB Series at Sydney Cricket Ground in 2008 before hitting 91 at Brisbane in the second final. India went on to win a historic ODI series win against Australia. He said after the win that his century was satisfying, but his knock in the second final was more challenging.
8) Two Centuries against Australia in Sharjah
In 1008, Tendulkar scored 143 off 131 balls in a must-win match against Australia in Sharjah to qualify for the final. He then helped the team chase down Australia's 272 in the final by scoring 134 runs. These back-to-back centuries will remain one of his best knocks in ODI.
Video: Sachin Tendulkar's Knock of 134 against Australia in Sharjah
9) Breaking Sunil Gavaskar's Test Record
Tendulkar scored his 35th Test century (109) against Sri Lanka at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla in 2005, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's record for most Test centuries. It became extra special for the Master Blaster, as the elusive moment came after a year's wait. He said after the match that the knock was a great relief with pressure building up to break the record.
10) 1996 Titan Cup
Pepsi Sharjah Cup winners South Africa came into the Titan Cup as the favourites to won and 1996 World Cup runners-up Australia were second favourites. But Sachin Tendulkar, who was given the role of captaincy at the age of 22, helped the team win the cup. He scored 88 off 111 against Australia and 64 off 93 against South Africa in the league round before scoring 67 off 88 in the final to clinch the Titan Cup. He said after the tournament that he would never forget the final in which South Africa scored only 185.
