As Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his birthday, fans around the world remember the cricketing genius. But beyond the centuries and records, there are some quirky and lesser-known aspects of his life. Here are 7 unusual facts you probably didn't know about the Master Blaster.
1. He Was a Ball Boy
Before becoming a global icon, a young Sachin served as a ball boy during a 1987 World Cup match between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium. Little did anyone know that the boy fetching balls would one day rule the cricketing world.
2. His First Century Was for Which Team?
Sachin's maiden century in first-class cricket came for Mumbai against Gujarat in 1988-89. However, his first century in List A cricket was for India against Australia in 1990, but his very first hundred in any format was for his school, Sharadashram Vidyamandir, in a Harris Shield match.
3. He Has a Fear of Flying
Despite traveling the world extensively, Sachin has a known fear of flying. He often used to travel by train within India and has mentioned in interviews that he feels uneasy during flights.
4. He Never Wears a Cap While Batting
One of Sachin's notable superstitions is that he never wears a cap while batting. He believes it affects his concentration. Instead, he prefers to keep his head uncovered, a habit he maintained throughout his career.
5. He Is a Trained Classical Singer
Not many know that Sachin underwent training in classical music for about six years. He learned from his guru, Suresh Wadkar, and even sang for an album called 'Vande Mataram' along with other cricketers.
6. His First Car Was a Maruti 800
Despite his immense success, Sachin's first car was a modest Maruti 800, which he bought after his first Test century. He drove it for years before upgrading to more luxurious vehicles.
7. He Has a Unique Record in Test Cricket
Sachin holds the record for the most number of times being dismissed in the 90s in Test cricket – a staggering 28 times. This shows his tendency to fall just short of a century, but also his consistency in getting close.
These facts reveal a different side of Sachin Tendulkar, a man of simple habits and extraordinary talent. On his birthday, we celebrate not just the cricketer, but the person behind the legend.
