OTD: Sachin Tendulkar hits maiden international hundred at age of 17
Enter Sachin Tendulkar.Facing a hostile English attack led by Angus Fraser and Devon Malcolm, Tendulkar displayed maturity well beyond his years. He combined caution with flair, driving on the up, defending with soft hands, and punishing anything loose. Partnering with Kapil Dev and later Manoj Prabhakar, he shepherded the lower order with incredible poise. His stroke play was elegant, but more importantly, his decision-making was ice-cold under pressure.He reached his hundred with a crisp drive through the covers — a moment that would define the beginning of a historic journey. His unbeaten 119 not only helped India draw the match but also saved them from what looked like certain defeat.
More than the runs, it was the context and composure of the innings that stood out. In only his ninth Test match, against a seasoned English side, and in challenging conditions, Tendulkar had shown he belonged at the highest level. It was a statement of intent.This innings validated the enormous faith Indian cricket had placed in the young prodigy. For fans, it confirmed what had only been hopeful whispers until then — that Tendulkar was no ordinary talent. He was a phenomenon in the making.That century at Old Trafford laid the foundation for a career that would span over two decades, yield 100 international centuries, and inspire generations. It was the first of many, but in many ways, it was the most significant — the day the legend truly began.Sachin's Son Arjun EngagedadvertisementMeanwhile, in the present day, Sachin's son, Arjun, has been engaged to Saaniya Chandok, the granddaughter of prominent Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai. The engagement was a private affair, attended by close friends and family from both sides.Arjun, 25, is a left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder who represents Goa in domestic cricket and has also featured for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. He began his domestic career with Mumbai in the 2020/21 season, making his debut in a T20 match against Haryana. Before that, he represented Mumbai at the junior level and earned a place in the India U19 squad. In the 2022/23 season, he moved to Goa, where he made his first-class and List A debuts.- EndsMust Watch
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