Celebrating 2 Decades of MASTER BLASTER

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, generally known as Sachin Tendulkar is an Indian Cricket player who is considered to be one of the all time greatest batsmen to have ever played the game of Cricket. The renowned Cricket magazine Wisden ranked Sachin Tendulkar the 2nd all time greatest Test Cricket batsman, only after Sir Donald Bradman at the 1st place in the year 2002. Also, the magazine ranked him the 2nd all time greatest ODI batsman after Viv Richards at the first spot.

It was the winter of 1989 when a 16-year old Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan, their fiercest rivals. He came armed with an already formidable reputation and began the journey that scaled a summit that a few would imagine was possible. Twenty years later, Sachin Tendulkar is a legend among his peers and a colossus that history would place on a heady pedestal. He still plays the game with limitless enthusiasm and continues to enchant.

So, here is an enchanting pictorial journey into the life of this charismatic icon!

Baby Sachin

Wonder Years!!

119 not out v England, Old Trafford, 1990: It was Tendulkar's first match-winning effort. With India on the verge of losing the Test, 17-year old Tendulkar was the only batsman left and the genius blasted a classy century and saved the game for India.

With wife anjali (wedding day!)

In Action!!!

Admired by all!!!

Surprise Birthday party by friends

Sachin Tendulkar next to his wax figure which is now housed at the Madame Tussauds in London.

With family in this one!!

Religious too!!

Living Legend!!

..still miles to go....

This is what others say:-

There are 2 kind of batsmen in the world. One Sachin Tendulkar. Two all the others. : Andy Flower

India's fortune will depend on how many runs the little champion scores. There is no doubt Tendulkar is the real thing. : Sunil Gavaskar

I'll be going to bed having nightmares of Sachin just running down the wicket and belting me back over the head for six. He was unstoppable. I don't think anyone, apart from Don Bradman, is in the same class as Sachin Tendulkar. He is just an amazing player. : Shane Warne

I am fortunate that I've to bowl at him only in the nets! : Anil Kumble

Mark Taylor: "We did not lose to a team called India...we lost to a man called Sachin" -Mark Taylor, during the test match in Chennai (1997)

Sir Don Bradman: I saw him playing on television and was struck by his technique, so I asked my wife to come look at him. Now I never saw myself play, but I feel that this player is playing much the same as I used to play, and she looked at him on Television and said yes, there is a similarity between the two...hi compactness, technique, stroke production... it all seemed to gel! in reference to Sachin Tendulkar.

Glenn McGrath: I still think Tendulkar is the best batsmen in the world ahead of Steve Waugh and Lara.

Brain Lara: Sachin is a genius. I'm a mere mortal.

MY Favorite:

Matt Hayden: "I have seen God, he bats at no. 4 for India"

(Picture Credits : Google)