When cricket fans across the globe search for the “God of Cricket,” there is only one name that universally emerges – Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Famously known as the Master Blaster, Sachin is regarded as the greatest batsman the game has ever seen. With his remarkable career spanning more than two decades, Tendulkar not only broke records but also redefined batting in every format of the game.
Cricket is often called a religion in India, and Sachin Tendulkar became its supreme deity through his extraordinary contributions, humility, and unmatched longevity in international cricket. Facing the world’s best bowlers in some of the toughest conditions, he made batting look effortless and elegant.
Let’s take a detailed look at why Sachin Tendulkar is revered as the God of Cricket, along with his astonishing career stats and records.
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Sachin Tendulkar: The Rise of a Legend
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Debut: At just 16 years old, Sachin made his international debut against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989, facing a fierce bowling attack that included Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis.
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Inspiration: His fearless batting inspired future cricketing legends like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Yuvraj Singh.
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Nicknames: Over the years, Sachin earned titles such as Little Master, Master Blaster, and The God of Cricket.
What truly set him apart was not just the runs he scored but the way he carried the burden of a billion hopes every time he stepped on the field.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Career Stats
Here’s a breakdown of Sachin’s international cricket numbers:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 100s | 50s |
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| Tests | 200 | 15,921 | 248* | 53.78 | 51 | 68 |
| ODIs | 463 | 18,426 | 200* | 44.83 | 49 | 96 |
| T20Is | 1 | 10 | 10 | 10.00 | 0 | 0 |
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Total Runs in International Cricket: 34,357
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Total Centuries: 100 (a record still unmatched)
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Total Fifties: 164
Records That Make Sachin Tendulkar the God of Cricket
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Most Runs in International Cricket
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34,357 runs across formats – no one has even come close.
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Most Centuries in International Cricket
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The only player to score 100 international centuries (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs).
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First Ever Double Century in ODIs
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Scored an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010, becoming the first man to achieve this milestone.
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Most Test Runs and Centuries
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15,921 Test runs and 51 centuries, both world records.
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Most ODI Runs and Centuries
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18,426 ODI runs and 49 centuries, making him the king of the format.
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Youngest to Score 5 Test Centuries Before 20
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Proved his talent early, setting the tone for a legendary career.
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Longest ODI Career
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Spanning over 22 years and 91 days, showing unmatched consistency.
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2003 World Cup Heroics
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Scored 673 runs in 11 matches, the highest by any player in a single World Cup edition.
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Most Runs in a Calendar Year (ODI)
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In 1998, Sachin scored 1,894 runs – still a record for most ODI runs in a year.
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Indian T20 League Contributions
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Represented Mumbai Indians, scoring 2,334 runs in 78 matches, including one century.
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Won the Orange Cap in 2010 with 618 runs.
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Sachin Tendulkar’s Impact Beyond Numbers
While statistics establish his greatness, Sachin’s influence went beyond numbers:
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Hope of a Billion: For over two decades, when Tendulkar came out to bat, India’s hopes soared. His dismissal often led to silence across the nation.
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Grace Under Pressure: Despite immense fame, he remained humble, disciplined, and respectful.
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Role Model: Inspired countless youngsters to take up cricket, shaping India into a cricketing powerhouse.
Who is the New God of Cricket After Sachin Tendulkar?
Sachin retired from international cricket in 2013, leaving behind an irreplaceable void. Fans naturally began searching for a successor to his throne. While no one can truly match Sachin’s legacy, some players have come close with their consistency and records.
Among them, Rohit Sharma stands out as the player often hailed as the New God of Cricket.
Rohit Sharma – The Hitman and Successor
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 59 | 4,138 | 212 | 45.47 | 12 | 17 |
| ODIs | 262 | 10,709 | 264 | 49.12 | 31 | 55 |
| T20Is | 159 | 4,231 | 121* | 32.05 | 5 | 32 |
| Indian T20 League | 257 | 6,628 | 109 | 29.72 | 2 | 43 |
Rohit Sharma’s Unique Records:
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Only player with 3 ODI double centuries (including the highest ODI score of 264).
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Most sixes in international cricket (612 and counting).
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First batsman to score 5 centuries in a single World Cup (2019).
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Holds the record for most centuries in T20Is (5).
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India’s captain during their 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
Rohit’s explosive batting style, leadership skills, and ability to perform on big stages make him the rightful heir to the title of God of Cricket in the modern era.
FAQs
Q. Who is the original God of Cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar is universally regarded as the original God of Cricket.
Q. Who is the New God of Cricket now?
Rohit Sharma, also known as the Hitman, is often referred to as the new God of Cricket.
Q. Who is the Godfather of Cricket?
William Gilbert Grace, a legendary English cricketer from the 19th century, is often called the Godfather of Cricket.
Q. Who is the God of T20 Cricket?
Rohit Sharma has earned the title of God of T20 Cricket due to his dominance in the shortest format.
Q. Which country invented cricket?
Cricket originated in South-East England in the 16th century and spread worldwide by the 19th and 20th centuries.
Final Thoughts
Sachin Tendulkar isn’t just a cricketer – he is an emotion, a source of inspiration, and the ultimate symbol of cricketing excellence. His unmatched records and his ability to carry the hopes of millions cemented his place as the God of Cricket.
While new legends like Rohit Sharma are carving their own paths and being celebrated as the new gods of the modern game, Sachin’s throne remains eternal. For cricket fans worldwide, there was, is, and always will be only one God of Cricket – Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
