Introduction:

Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the "God of Cricket," has left an indelible mark on the world of sports through his iconic career spanning over two decades. Known for his technical finesse, resilience, and humility, Sachin's journey has inspired millions of aspiring cricketers. Here, we’ll dive into the details of his career across various formats, explore his major records, and look at the achievements that continue to stand tall even today.

Early Career and First-Class Debut

Sachin made his first-class debut at the age of 15 for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in 1988. Right from the start, he showcased extraordinary talent, scoring a century in his debut match against Gujarat. This was just the beginning of a record-breaking career that would later include feats and achievements in all forms of cricket.

First-Class Career Stats

• Matches: 310
• Runs: 25,396
• Average: 57.84
• Centuries: 81
• Half-Centuries: 116
• Highest Score: 248*

Test Career: The Ultimate Challenge

Sachin made his Test debut for India in November 1989 against Pakistan at the age of 16. Despite facing some of the best bowlers in the world, he quickly made a name for himself as a prodigious talent. His Test career spanned 24 years, making him one of the longest-serving Test cricketers.

Test Career Stats

• Matches: 200
• Runs: 15,921
• Average: 53.78
• Centuries: 51
• Half-Centuries: 68
• Highest Score: 248*

Test Records

1. Most Runs in Test Cricket: 15,921 – a record still unbeaten.
2. Most Centuries in Tests: 51 – the highest number of centuries in Test history.
3. First Batsman to Reach 10,000 Runs: Achieved in 2005.
4. Most Matches Played: 200 – the only cricketer to achieve this feat.

One Day International (ODI) Career: Master of Limited Overs

Sachin’s ODI career started in December 1989, also against Pakistan. He quickly adapted to the format, becoming one of the most dependable batsmen in ODIs. His stroke play and consistency redefined batting in limited-overs cricket, and he was instrumental in popularizing the format in India.

ODI Career Stats

• Matches: 463
• Runs: 18,426
• Average: 44.83
• Strike Rate: 86.24
• Centuries: 49
• Half-Centuries: 96
• Highest Score: 200* (first player to score a double century in ODIs)

ODI Records

1. Most Runs in ODIs: 18,426 – still the highest in ODI history.
2. Most Centuries in ODIs: 49 – another unbeaten record.
3. First to Score 200 Runs in an ODI: Against South Africa in 2010.
4. Most Fifties in ODIs: 96 – demonstrating his consistency.
5. Most Man of the Match Awards: 62 – the highest by any cricketer.

T20 Career: Short Format Pioneer

Although Sachin’s T20 career was brief, he played a pivotal role in establishing the format. He represented India in the format only once but later played in domestic T20 leagues, including the IPL.

T20I Career Stats

• Matches: 1
• Runs: 10
• Average: 10.00

Indian Premier League (IPL): Franchise Cricket Superstar

Sachin played for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL from 2008 to 2013. As captain and player, he brought a sense of stability and experience to the franchise, winning the Orange Cap (awarded to the highest run-scorer in a season) in 2010.

IPL Career Stats

• Matches: 78
• Runs: 2,334
• Average: 33.83
• Strike Rate: 119.82
• Centuries: 1
• Half-Centuries: 13
• Highest Score: 100*

IPL Records

1. Orange Cap Winner in 2010: Scored 618 runs in a single season.
2. First Player to Score 2,000 IPL Runs for Mumbai Indians: A landmark in franchise cricket.

Record-Breaking Achievements in International Cricket

Sachin’s career was not just about runs and centuries; his achievements span numerous records that illustrate his influence on cricket. Some of his unbroken records include:

1. 100 International Centuries: The only player in cricket history to score 100 international centuries (51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs).
2. First Player to Reach 10,000 Runs in ODIs: Sachin was the first to cross the 10,000-run mark in ODIs, setting the bar for future generations.
3. Most International Runs: 34,357 runs across all formats.
4. Longest Career Span: 24 years, playing from 1989 to 2013.
5. Most Fours in ODIs: 2,016 – illustrating his precision in shot-making.

Honors and Recognition

1. Arjuna Award (1994): For his exceptional achievements in cricket.
2. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1997–1998): The highest sporting honor in India.
3. Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Vibhushan (2008): Two of India’s highest civilian awards.
4. Bharat Ratna (2014): India’s highest civilian honor, awarded to Sachin for his contributions to cricket, making him the first sportsperson to receive it.

Legacy

Sachin’s influence on cricket extends far beyond his records. His commitment to the sport, humility, and sportsmanship have inspired generations of cricketers. His records, especially the 100 international centuries and 34,357 total runs, set him apart as one of the greatest batsmen the world has ever seen.

Even after his retirement, many of his records remain unbroken, serving as a testament to his skill and dedication.