When you think of Sachin Tendulkar, it’s impossible not to associate him with greatness. With over 34,000 international runs, 100 centuries, and a career that spanned 24 glorious years, Sachin is more than just a cricketing legend—he’s a symbol of perseverance and excellence. But what if we told you there’s much more to the ‘Master Blaster’ than the towering records? Behind those mind-blowing stats lie some fascinating and lesser-known facts that even the most ardent cricket fans might not be aware of. From quirky coincidences to historical milestones, these nuggets of trivia give you a fresh perspective on the man who carried the hopes of a billion fans every time he stepped onto the field.
Let’s look at the lesser-known facts about Sachin Tendulkar that make his career truly one-of-a-kind
1. Scores from 0 to 100: Missing Only Two Numbers
Throughout his illustrious international career, Sachin Tendulkar achieved scores ranging from 0 to 100. Yet, he never managed to score exactly 58 or 75. This odd numerical coincidence highlights the wide range of scores he accumulated over more than two decades, showcasing his consistency but also underlining the randomness of cricketing statistics.
2. Wrongly Given Out at Least 39 Times
In his long career, Sachin was erroneously given out at least 39 times. Given the absence of the Decision Review System (DRS) during a major part of his playing days, this figure is likely higher. Despite the frustration such decisions could cause, Tendulkar always maintained his composure, choosing to smile and walk back to the pavilion. This humility and grace, in the face of unfair dismissals, only deepened his respect among cricket fans worldwide.
3. The Only Duck in Ranji Trophy
Sachin Tendulkar had an extraordinary domestic career, especially in India’s premier first-class competition, the Ranji Trophy. Throughout his entire Ranji career, he got out for a duck only once. Remarkably, the bowler who dismissed him was none other than Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who later went on to become one of India’s leading international pacers.
4. The First Player Run Out by a Third Umpire
Sachin Tendulkar made history in 1992 when he became the first player to be adjudged run out by a third umpire. This event occurred during a match against South Africa, where Karl Liebenberg made the pioneering decision. At that time, the third umpire system was in its infancy, marking a shift toward modern technology in cricket.
5. More Balls Bowled than Shoaib Akhtar in ODIs
Though predominantly a batsman, Sachin was a handy bowler in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In fact, he bowled more deliveries than Pakistan’s famed speedster Shoaib Akhtar. Tendulkar bowled 8,054 balls in ODIs, while Akhtar bowled 7,764. This makes for a surprising stat, considering Akhtar’s reputation as a regular bowler and Tendulkar’s role as a part-time option for India.
6. More Five-Wicket Hauls than Shane Warne in ODIs
Another unexpected statistic is that Sachin Tendulkar has taken more five-wicket hauls in ODIs than the legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne. While Warne was feared for his spin wizardry, Tendulkar quietly racked up two five-wicket hauls compared to Warne’s solitary one. Tendulkar’s ability to pick up key wickets at crucial moments often helped India in limited-overs cricket.
7. Defending Six Runs or Fewer Twice in the Last Over
Sachin Tendulkar is the only bowler in ODI history to have successfully defended six or fewer runs in the final over of a match twice. The first instance came in a semi-final against South Africa in 1993, where his composed bowling handed India the victory. He repeated this feat in 1996 against Australia, proving that his bowling could be as impactful as his batting in pressure situations.
8. Batted on Every Day of the Year Except One
One of the most curious facts about Sachin Tendulkar is that he has batted on every single calendar day of the year, including February 29 (which occurs only once every four years). The only exception? May 1st. This quirky stat is a testament to his relentless presence on the field and the sheer number of matches he played throughout his career.
Summary
While Sachin Tendulkar is best known for his iconic centuries, record-breaking runs, and immense contributions to Indian cricket, these lesser-known facts and stats showcase just how unique and versatile his cricketing career was. From bowling more than Shoaib Akhtar to being the first cricketer run out by a third umpire, Sachin’s career is filled with amazing, lesser-discussed milestones that solidify his legendary status. His ability to remain humble in the face of challenges, whether it was being wrongly given out or defending runs with the ball, adds another layer to the admiration fans have for him. These facts further prove why Sachin Tendulkar will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable cricketers the world has ever seen.
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