24th April: When West Indies Legend Vivian Richards called the Master Blaster the 'God' of Batting

Sachin Tendulkar turned 51 on April 24, 2024. He is called the "God of Cricket," and is arguably the best batter to have ever played the game. But the nickname originates with his fans, who also refer to him as "Master Blaster." There was a time when Viv Richards, one of the greatest of cricket, called Sachin the ‘God’ of batting.

Before the ODI World Cup 2011, Vivian Richards said India should win the trophy for emotional reasons, one of them being to honor Sachin Tendulkar. Even if it meant beating his team, the West Indies, Viv was in favor of India’s victory.

I’ve got some sentiments about why I’d like India to win this. A lot of folks ask me questions about the ‘best batsman you’d have seen’ over the years. I’ve heard of Bradman. I respect the pundit’s views in the past about Bradman. When I was asked about Sachin, I could be able to tell him that I did see Sachin. So, I was able to make a verdict on what I think because seeing, sometimes, is believing.

~the West Indian legend said

I think he’s God where batsmanship is concerned.
~he said

What Sachin did in my opinion…he created a foundation where batsmanship is concerned for the rest of the Indian team…my sentiments go out to India winning this cup because I believe this is going to be Sachin’s last chance.
~he added

Let's explore some of his impeccable records

Sachin, who smashed 2,278 runs at an average of 56.95 across 44 innings, became the best-run scorer in Cricket World Cup history. He scored 15 fifty and 6 hundred. In the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, he scored 152 against Namibia, which was his best World Cup score.

In 664 international matches, Sachin Tendulkar has made 34,357 runs at an average of 48.52, including 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries. In the chronicles of cricket history, he is the only player to have a century of centuries.

Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India succeeded in winning the cup in 2011, a fitting farewell for the "God of Cricket." Following his retirement, Sachin Tendulkar took on the role of IPL mentor for the Mumbai Indians.