Mumbai: It was on this day in 2013 when Sachin Tendulkar brought an end to his illustrious 24-year journey in international cricket during which he featured in 200 Tests, 463 ODIs and one T20I.
Tendulkar, who made his debut as a 16-year-old in 1989, played his last international game against West Indies at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, a Test match which India won by an innings and 126 runs inside three days. The ‘Master Blaster’ managed 74 runs before he became the priced scalp of Narsingh Deonarine in the first innings.
After the match, he made a moving speech which left cricketing fans all over the globe with tears in their eyes.
“My life, between 22 yards for 24 years, it is hard to believe that that journey has come to an end,” Tendulkar had said.
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and also say that time has flown by rather quickly, but the memories you have left with me will always be with me forever and ever. Especially “Sachin, Sachin” which will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing,” he added.
In his stellar career, Tendulkar scored 100 centuries across Tests and ODIs — a record which still remains unbroken. In 463 ODIs, Tendulkar scored 18,426 runs including 49 tons and in Tests, he has 15,921 runs to his name, including 51 centuries. In his lone T20I appearance which came against South Africa in 2006, he scored 10 runs.
