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SPORTS FEBRUARY 14, 2025 | The Indian Eye 39

SACHIN TENDULKAR

Legend looks back at his journey, calls 2011

World Cup win the ‘best moment of my life’

Accompanied by his family, the former cricketer meets President Droupadi Murmu
at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital

OUR BUREAU
New Delhi
ricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Thurs-
day recalled the moments of the 2011
CWorld Cup win and said that he would like
to relive it again. Tendulkar accompanied by his
family met President Droupadi Murmu at Rash-
trapati Bhavan in the national capital. Tendulkar’s
wife, Anjali and daughter, Sara, were also present
with the 51-year-old.
Speaking at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Vimarsh
Shrinkhala on Thursday, Tendulkar said that the
2011 World Cup triumph was the best moment
of his life. “2011 World Cup is a memory I would
like to relive. The journey and dream that started
in 1983. I made many attempts, failed but never
lost hope. So, that’s the best moment of my life,”
Sachin Tendulkar during an event at Rashtrapati
Bhavan Vimarsh Shrinkhala.
India defeated Sri Lanka in the final by six
wickets in the summit clash at the Wankhede Stadi-
um, Mumbai in 2011. After batting first, Sri Lanka
posted 274/6 in their 50 overs. An unbeaten centu-
ry from Mahela Jayawardene (103*) and knocks
from skipper Kumar Sangakkara (48), Nuwan Ku- Sachin Tendulkar clicks a selfie during an interaction event, ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan Vimarsh Shrinkhala’, in New Delhi on Thursday (ANI)
lasekara (32) and Thisara Perera (22*) powered
Lanka to a competitive total. Yuvraj Singh and Za-
heer Khan took two wickets each and Harbhajan
Singh took one wicket. Master Blaster given lifetime
Chasing 275, India lost Sehwag (0) and Ten-
dulkar (18) early. But an 83-run stand between achievement award in Mumbai
Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli (35) revived In-
dia’s chances. Gambhir went on to score 97 in 122
balls and had a 109-run stand for the fourth wicket n Saturday, Sachin Tendulkar was 16, and played his first ODI on December 18 of
with skipper MS Dhoni, who ended at an unbeat- crowned with the Col. CK Nayudu Life- the same year.
en 91* off 79 balls. Dhoni and Yuvraj (21*) had Otime Achievement Award at the BCCI With 34,357 runs in 664 international ap-
an unbeaten 54-run stand for the fifth wicket that Awards in Mumbai. The Master Blaster still holds pearances at an average of 48.52, Tendulkar
guided Team India to their first World Cup title in the records for most runs in Test and ODIs, as remains the highest run-scorer in international
28 years. well as the unique feat of scoring 100 centuries. cricket. He has 100 centuries and 164 half-cen-
Further, Tendulkar also spoke about his child- Tendulkar was crowned with the Col. CK turies to his name, records unmatched in the
hood coach Ramakant Achrekar. “Archerakar Sir Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the sport’s history. Tendulkar was the first cricketer
played a great part in my life. He used to take me to BCCI Awards on Saturday in Mumbai. The Mas- to achieve a double century in ODIs and played
5 different nets to bat during summer holidays. He ter Blaster still holds the records for most runs a record 200 Test matches.
used to ensure that we never took short cuts that in Test and ODIs, as well as the unique feat of In ODIs, he amassed 18,426 runs at an av-
made me mentally strong,” the 51-year-old added. scoring 100 centuries. erage of 44.83, including 49 centuries and 96
The stalwart coach passed away at the age of Known as the ‘God of Cricket,’ Tendulkar is half-centuries. In Tests, he scored 15,921 runs at an
87 on January 2 back in 2019. In 1990, he was giv- celebrated for his unparalleled skill and mastery average of 53.78, with 51 centuries and 68 fifties.
en the Dronacharya Award for his contribution to in cricket, entertaining fans worldwide from 1989 Tendulkar was also a part of India’s ICC Cricket
the sport as a coach. He also received the Padma to 2013. The Maharashtra-born player made his World Cup-winning team in 2011, achieving his
Shri Award in 2010, one of the country’s highest Test debut on November 15, 1989, at the age of lifelong dream after his World Cup debut in 1992.
civilian awards.

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