Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, celebrated his 50th birthday on April 24, 2019. The occasion was marked by tributes from fans, fellow cricketers, and sports personalities from around the world. However, one tribute that stood out was from Tendulkar’s longtime friend and former teammate, Sourav Ganguly.
In an article published on his official website, Ganguly shared a special memory from his early days of playing with Tendulkar. He talked about the time when they both played for India’s Under-15 team in 1987 and how Tendulkar, even at the age of 14, was already displaying his remarkable talent.
Ganguly recounted how they were playing a match against the Rest of India team and Tendulkar was batting on the second day of the game. He had already scored a hundred on the first day, and now he was in the zone, completely focused on his game. Ganguly, who was fielding at short leg, was amazed at Tendulkar’s concentration and technique.
As the match progressed, the Rest of India team’s captain decided to bring in a spinner to bowl to Tendulkar. Ganguly watched in awe as Tendulkar played the spinner with ease, hitting him for boundaries and taking singles at will. He could see the frustration on the spinner’s face as Tendulkar continued to dominate him.
Ganguly remembered how, after the match, he went up to Tendulkar and asked him how he was able to play spin so well. Tendulkar replied, “It’s all about watching the ball and playing it on its merit.”
This incident left a lasting impression on Ganguly, who went on to become the captain of the Indian cricket team and lead the team to many victories. He credits Tendulkar’s dedication and hard work for his success and that of the Indian team.
In conclusion, Sourav Ganguly’s special memory of Sachin Tendulkar on his 50th birthday is a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication that Tendulkar brought to the game of cricket. It is a testament to his ability to focus on his game and play each ball on its merit. Tendulkar’s legacy as a cricketer and a sportsman is one that will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike
