Sachin Tendulkar
Several batsmen have come and gone, several will come, but one name that will not lose its sheen ever is Sachin Tendulkar. Carrying the burden of billion people on his shoulders for over two decades is no easy task. And yet this man has weaved magic with his wizardry batting more often than not. Records are no barrier for this genius who makes a record virtually every time he walks on the field. With 15,837 test and 18,426 ODI runs, do we need to say more? Two years back he completed his tryst with destiny by getting the only award missing from his arsenal; the coveted World Cup. Though he came seemingly close in 2003 but fate made him wait a little longer. Though the Indian squad will not have this linchpin in the next World Cup, Let us look back at a few memorable innings he played in his tenure of six World Cup campaigns during which he compiled a mammoth 2278 runs.
140 not out vs Kenya, 1999
This knock is heralded as one of his best knocks not just because of his master-strokes, but his mental strength. He had just flown back from India post his father’s death, but this did not deter him to set the stage ablaze as India won this match by 94 runs.
98 vs Pakistan, 2003
Facing the arch-nemesis Pakistan is always a fascinating encounter. And with the likes of Shoib Akhtar, Wasim AKram and Waqar Younis spewing venom, it made it an even arduous task. That flick for a six off Shoib Akhtar still thrills an Indian cricket fan.
111 vs South Africa, 2011
Playing in home conditions sounds easy, but if the opposition throws speed merchants such as Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel at you, it becomes a different picture altogether. However, Sachin tamed those speed demons that day to power his way to 99th International Century. Though India lost this match, but still it counts as one of his finest knocks.
Sachin Tendulkar
70 vs West Indies, 1996
A young Sachin playing his third World Cup saw India cruise to a five wicket victory against the likes of Curtly Ambrose.
120 vs England, 2011
If elegance is a word, Sachin portrayed it literally via this innings. Driving the likes of Anderson and flicks off the pad made this knock look so easy. Though the match ended in a tie, we cannot take way the aesthetic fountain which Sachin ushered upon the spectators.
Compiling runs is a skill, but compiling runs with grace is an art. Entering the arena when he was barely 16, Sachin does not need these statistics to prove his worth, for his mere presence is worthy of a true legend. Ask Shane Warne who had nightmares of Sachin haunting him.
