Sachin Tendulkar, 35 Not Out!

By John Cheeran
No. 35.
That’s a special number indeed.
There is none like Sachin Tendulkar in world cricket now.
A cherished record came the Indian master’s way on Saturday at Feroze Shah Kotla as Tendulkar tapped Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas to square leg to move from 99 to 100.
Tendulkar ran his single keeping an eye on the ball’s path, and midway, he raised his bat skywards, broke into an exultation that triggered the celebrations that ran through the stadium.
That was No.35.
It was a small step in the course of a Test match; but for Tendulkar it was a giant step.
Tendulkar has hit the maximum number of Test centuries playing his 125th Test match against Sri Lanka. It must be a sweet thought that, in the process, Tendulkar has over taken another Indian, and another Mumbaikar to reach No. 35.
The tradition lives on as Sunil Gavaskar makes way for Tendulkar.
Now that the burden of this landmark has been put aside one should see a more creative, a more free flowing Tendulkar at the crease. Tendulkar, the Original Version.
His 35th century has been one of enormous patience, an innings set in determination.
Tendulkar did struggle in the initial phase of this century but to his credit, he succeeded in surviving those shaky moments to step into a sphere where no man has walked before.
To be honest, there was never any doubt that Tendulkar will reach this momentous mark.
It was, only, a question of when.
Well, it has come and let the runs flow.
A nation thanks you.
Salam Sachin.