Image Source: India Times
In the world of cricket, certain players are synonymous with brilliance. Don Bradman is revered as “The Don,” while Virat Kohli is often called the “King of Cricket.”
But who is Master Blaster in cricket? The title Master Blaster belongs unequivocally to Sachin Tendulkar. This moniker reflects not just his records with the bat but his ability to consistently dominate bowlers across all formats of the game.
What makes Tendulkar one of the best in cricket history? Let’s delve into his journey, records, and the extraordinary numbers that have immortalized him in the annals of cricket. Let’s find out why is Sachin called Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar Debut and Rise to Stardom
Sachin Tendulkar’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of 16 when he debuted against Pakistan in 1989. Facing a fearsome pace attack led by Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, Tendulkar displayed some confidence but was dismissed for 15 runs.
However, his numbers improved in the subsequent games, earning him respect from peers and critics alike. His maiden Test century came in 1990 against England at Old Trafford, a sign of the greatness to come.
Read More: List of 100 Centuries By Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar Consistency Across Formats
Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in international cricket. His ability to adapt and excel in different formats of the game is a testament to his versatility. He amassed 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches, an unparalleled achievement that remains the highest run scored by any batsman in the format. His 51 Test centuries also stand as the highest by any player in the history of the format.
In ODIs, Tendulkar’s impact was equally profound. He scored 18,426 runs in 463 matches, with 49 centuries and 96 fifties. Tendulkar is still the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history and it is unlikely that this record will be broken anytime soon. For several years he also held the record for most centuries in the format, until it was broken by Kohli in 2023.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Career Full of Milestones
Tendulkar’s career is studded with numerous milestones, each adding to his legendary status. One of his most significant moments came on November 16, 2013, when he retired from international cricket. By then, he had set almost every conceivable batting record.
Most Runs in International Cricket
Even years after retirement, Tendulkar still holds the record for most runs in international cricket, having scored 15,921 runs in Test matches and 18,426 in ODIs. That is a total of 34357 runs.
Suggested Read: What is Sachin Tendulkar’s Net Worth in Rupees
Most Runs in the World Cup
Over six World Cups, Tendulkar amassed a total of 2278 runs. Notably, in the 2003 World Cup alone, Tendulkar scored 673 runs, achieving the record for the most runs scored in a single World Cup. Across his World Cup journey, Sachin maintained an impressive average of 56.95 runs.
First to Reach 10,000 ODI Runs
Tendulkar was the first player to breach the 10,000-run mark in ODIs, achieving this feat in 2001.
Fastest to 10,000 Test Runs
Tendulkar is the fastest player to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket, taking 195 innings to do so. Tendulkar reached the 5-figure achievement in 2005 against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens.
Double Century in ODIs
He became the first player to score a double century in ODIs, a 200* against South Africa in 2010.
Centuries of Centuries
Tendulkar is the only cricketer to have scored 100 international centuries (51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs), a landmark that epitomizes his consistency and longevity.
Most Test Centuries
Leading the charts for most Test centuries, Tendulkar notched up 51 hundreds in his career. His 51st century was achieved against South Africa in 2010.
Suggested Read: Sachin Records in Cricket, Test Cricket, T20 Cricket, ODI and IPL
Most ODI Runs in a Calendar Year
With 1894 runs in the year 1998, including nine centuries and seven half-centuries, Tendulkar set a record for most runs in ODI cricket in a calendar year. He averaged 65.31 in 34 games that year.
Most Nineties in ODIs
On 18 occasions, Tendulkar was dismissed in his 90s, a record that stands still.
Most Consecutive ODIs
Tendulkar’s remarkable consistency saw him feature in 185 consecutive ODIs for India, spanning from April 1990 to April 1998. This uninterrupted streak stands as the longest in the history of ODI cricket for any player.
Most Player of the Match awards
Tendulkar was named the Player of the Match a whopping 76 times across formats. No other player has won as many awards.
Most Centuries Against a Team
Tendulkar registered 20 centuries against Australia, the highest number by any batsman against a single opponent. Across 110 international matches against them, he accumulated a remarkable tally of 6707 runs.
Most ODI Appearances
With an impressive 464 appearances in ODI matches, Tendulkar holds the distinction of being the player with the most appearances in 50-over international cricket. His illustrious ODI career culminated with his final match against Pakistan during the Asia Cup in 2012.
Mastery Over All Conditions
Tendulkar’s ability to score runs across different conditions and against varied bowling attacks is another reason for his “Master Blaster” title. Whether facing the swinging deliveries in England, the fast tracks of Australia, the spinning pitches of India, or the bouncy pitches of South Africa, Tendulkar adapted his game to thrive in every condition.
Suggested Read: Who is the God of Cricket?
Master Blaster’s Memorable Innings
Several of Tendulkar’s innings are still fondly remembered.
Desert Storm: In 1998, Tendulkar’s back-to-back centuries against Australia in Sharjah, including the famous “Desert Storm” innings, are considered among the best in ODI history. His scores of 143 and 134 were instrumental in India winning the Coca-Cola Cup.
200* Against South Africa: His unbeaten double century in Gwalior in 2010 not only made him the first player to reach this milestone in ODIs but also showed his ability to innovate and dominate even in the later stages of his career.
241* at Sydney: In the 2003-04 Test series in Australia, Tendulkar’s 241* at Sydney Cricket Ground is remembered for his disciplined approach, avoiding cover drives to counter the Australian strategy. This inning was a masterclass in patience and technique.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Awards and Accolades
Tendulkar’s contributions to cricket have been recognized globally. He has received numerous awards, including the Arjuna Award (1994), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1997), Padma Shri (1999), and Padma Vibhushan (2008). In 2014, he became the first sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Conclusion
Sachin Tendulkar, the “Master Blaster,” is one of the legends of the sport. His records, memorable innings, and the sheer longevity of his career make him one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, adapting to all conditions and formats, has earned him a place among the immortals of the game. While several players have unique titles, it is Tendulkar who embodies the spirit of the “Master Blaster.”
Further Read: Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli Who is Better
FAQs
Q) Who is master blaster?
A) “Master Blaster” is a nickname associated with Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer known for his exceptional batting skills and numerous records in international cricket.
Q) Who is known as master blaster?
A) Sachin Tendulkar is widely recognized as the “Master Blaster” in the world of cricket.
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