The Hindu : Sport : ‘Just another match for me’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 11, 2007
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Sport

‘Just another match for me’

Vadodara: “It’s just another match for me, just another number,” he said.

But then, the fifth Future Cup ODI here will be a special contest for Sachin Tendulkar. He will become the first Indian cricketer to figure in 400 ODIs. Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya is the only other player to have achieved the feat.

In 399 ODIs, Tendulkar has 15,563 runs at 44.21 with 41 hundreds and 84 half-centuries. His assorted bowling has fetched him 152 wickets at 44.00.

In an incredible journey, Tendulkar has the most ODI runs, centuries and 50s by any batsman. Not to forget the maximum number of runs against the world’s foremost side (Australia) and the most 1000 plus runs in a calendar year. Now, he has achieved a first for an Indian.

“It’s more important that we win tomorrow. I will prepare for the game like I do in any match,” said Tendulkar.

Memorable moments

Probed further, he remembered his last over in the Hero Cup semifinal against South Africa in Kolkata, his ‘desert storm’ innings at the expense of the Australian attack in Sharjah, and his exceptional effort against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

He has been rock-like in the Indian line-up even if the latter half of his career has been dotted with injuries. Despite the passage of time, the 34-year maestro has retained his motivation.

When asked whether there were more lows than highs in this stretch of his career, Tendulkar shot back – “You should check your facts.”

He has a point. In 25 ODIs this year, Tendulkar has 1026 runs at 44.63. That’s a lot of runs. — Special Correspondent

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