Sunday, April 27, 2025

Kolkata eagerly awaits Sachin’s 100th ton

Date:

Share post:

KOLKATA: Will he? Won’t he? That’s the question local cricket buffs find most intriguing as they pray Sachin Tendulkar reaches the much-awaited milestone of a century of international tons during the second Test against the West Indies at the historic Eden Gardens, a ground that the batting genius had once called the “home of cricket”.

India play the West Indies in the second Test from November 14-18.

After scoring a century in the Cape Town Test against South Africa, Sachin has failed to play even one triple figure knock in the 11 Test innings where he has come to the middle, the highest being 91 at The Oval during India’s disastrous English tour in summer.

However, he did get two ODI hundreds during this time – 120 against England at Bangalore and 111 facing South Africa in Nagpur. The last one came March 12.

It was almost 22 years back that a shy 16-year old boy with curly hair and an ocean of talent made his international debut in the Karachi Test against Pakistan, with cricketing experts like Sunil Gavaskar prophesying the advent of a player capable of breaking all batting records that one can think of.

Years later, the legendary Don Bradman – considered the greatest batsmen of all times – asked his wife to take a look at the Indian as he felt Tendulkar played like him. It was Tendulkar’s technique, compactness, and shot production that endeared him most to the Aussie, according to Roland Perry, who authored the book “Don’s Best”.

Fifty-one centuries in 182 Test matches and 48 in 453 ODIs is ample testimony of the visionary qualities of these wise men.

But the one century – that would make the little Mumbaikar the first ever batsman in 138 years of international cricket history to complete a historic feat of 100 tons – has been on wait for eight months. And Kolkatans are hoping it will be at the Eden, a ground where Tendulkar has got only two tons in 10 Tests. His average a tad below 50, as opposed to 56.14 overall in Tests. (IANS)

Related articles

SC to hear on Monday PIL seeking release of elderly, terminally ill convicted prisoners

New Delhi, April 27 :The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a public interest litigation (PIL)...

‘Mann Ki Baat’: PM Modi describes significance of April-May in India’s freedom struggle

New Delhi, April 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reflected on the significance of the months...

Punjab Police bust weapon-smuggling module with Pakistan links

Chandigarh, April 27: Punjab Police on Sunday said they have busted a weapon-smuggling module with links to Pakistan...

CPI(M) expels 3-time MP for objectionable behavior towards woman colleague

Kolkata, April 27: The CPI(M) in West Bengal has expelled three-time Lok Sabha member, Bansa Gopal Chowdhury, from...