Sachin Tendulkar Birthday Special Videos: 5 Knocks of 'Master Blaster' you Cannot Miss on his Birthday

April 24 must be on the tip of tongue of an Indian cricket fan as it is Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday. Born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, Tendulkar turns 45 today. The 'Master Blaster' was one of the prime reasons the current generation started watching cricket. He is the name modern-day greats in cricket look up to. For the uninitiated (hardly there will be one), Tendulkar amassed 15,921 runs in Test cricket and 18,426 runs in ODIs. He apparently continues to hold the record for most runs in Tests and ODIs. And he does hold a plethora of other batting records as well, that batsmen like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Hashim Amla are chasing. Sachin Tendulkar Turns 45: 10 Cool Facts About the Cricketing Legend to Celebrate his Birthday

As it’s Tendulkar’s birthday, we have decided to turn the clock back in time and pick his five knocks that you cannot miss. These may not be his absolute best, but they do hold a special place in every fan's heart. With 100 centuries, 164 half-centuries and other great knocks in his kitty, how can one pick ‘best five’?

Sachin Tendulkar’s first runs in ODIs

Tendulkar made his ODI debut in 1989 against Pakistan but was dismissed for a duck. He was then picked for the Indian side for the Triangular Series in New Zealand. However, in his second ODI, the little master once again failed to open the innings. It was in his third ODI that Tendulkar scored first of those 18,000 odd runs. Tendulkar scored 36 before he was caught behind.

Sachin Tendulkar’s first innings as an opener in ODIs

During his initial days, Tendulkar mostly batted at number five. However, when the then 20-year-old Tendulkar was asked to open the innings, he took the opportunity with both the hands. On March 27, 1994, Tendulkar for the first time opened the innings in ODIs. And boy, he did make it count with an impressive 82 off just 49 balls. India were chasing a paltry total of 143, but Tendulkar didn’t waste the time up the order as he attacked the Kiwi bowlers. During his stay, the young Tendulkar slammed 15 fours and a couple of sixes and eventually walked away with Man of the Match award as India won the game.

The 'Desert Storm'

Arguably one of the best innings of Tendulkar. On a hot day in Sharjah, Tendulkar toyed with the Australian attack that featured the likes of Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, and Michael Kasprowicz. Chasing 285, India kept losing wickets but Tendulkar not only held the one end but kept the scoreboard ticking with some fabulous strokes. However, India were set a revised target of 277 runs from 46 overs after a sandstorm stopped the play for 25 minutes. Though India fell 26 runs short of the target, Tendulkar made sure his side qualifies for the final as he took his side past the required 237-run mark. Interestingly, two days later in the final on April 24, which happened to be Tendulkar’s 25th birthday, he smashed 134 against the same bowling attack as India won the tournament after chasing down 272.

Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 155 against Australia in Chennai

Ahead of the Test match in Chennai in 1998, the battle lines were drawn with Tendulkar and Shane Warne up against each other. The battle between the two was making the headlines, perhaps setting the tone for a riveting contest. And in preparation to take on Warne, Tendulkar faced former Indian leggie L Sivaramakrishnan for four days in nets. It eventually paid off!

Electing to bat first, India managed only 257 runs with Tendulkar falling to Warne for just four runs. Australia then responded with 328 in their first innings and took a valuable lead of 71 runs. India’s second innings was driven by Tendulkar’s unbeaten 155 as he smashed Warne to all parts of the ground. Thanks to Tendulkar’s effort, India declared on 418 and set Australia 347 to win. India eventually won the Test by 179 runs as the visitors were bundled out for just 168 runs.

First batsman to score 200 in ODIs

This has to be one of the highlights of such a vast career. On February 2010, Tendulkar became the first ever batsman to score a double century in ODIs. He achieved the feat against South Africa at Indore. Tendulkar finished 200 unbeaten as he carried his bat through.

Watching Tendulkar bat perhaps remains the 'most missed scene' in contemporary cricket. That ball hitting the sweet spot of the bat and those exquisite cover drives! There will be none like Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar! Thanks for the entertainment and yes, Happy Birthday Master Blaster!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 24, 2018 12:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).