NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar has one of the largest and most devoted fan followings in the history of sports. His incredible achievements, humility, and consistency over a career spanning more than two decades have endeared him to fans worldwide.
In India, Tendulkar is more than just a cricket player-he is a cultural phenomenon. His performances brought people from all walks of life together, often halting everyday activities when he played. His influence extended beyond cricket, with his name synonymous with excellence and perseverance.
Tendulkar’s fan following isn’t confined to India. His admirers can be found in cricket-loving nations like Australia, England, South Africa, Pakistan, and beyond. Even in non-cricketing countries, he is recognized as a global sports icon.
In a video that is doing the rounds on social media, Australia pacer Mitchell Starc is asked during a podcast that when playing in India when a player like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni comes to the crease, did it make him nervous as a bowler?
Starc replies, “Maybe I can best describe it like this. I remember my first Test tour to India, I didn’t play in any of the two Tests, but we were sitting there in the second Test in Bangalore (Bengaluru) and Sachin Tendulkar was playing, he had scored some runs and he was coming close to a hundred and all of a sudden Bangalore’s stadium was full and louder, more than anything I had ever experienced in cricket. He got to his hundred, they all went nuts and then disappeared. And then he got close to 200, they all came back and it got louder, he got 200, it was loud again and they all disappeared. In terms of some of those big name players, it is extremely loud.”
Tendulkar’s records, including being the first to score 100 international centuries and amassing over 34,000 international runs, have cemented his legacy, making him an idol for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Tendulkar is admired not only by fans but also by fellow cricketers, athletes, and celebrities, who often express their respect for his skill and demeanor.
Sachin’s fan base is not just about numbers; it’s about the deep emotional connection people feel with him. His journey from a young boy in Mumbai to a cricketing legend resonates with millions, making him a symbol of hope and inspiration.
