Sachin Tendulkar is fondly referred to as the God of Cricket by fans, as he has been an inspiration to millions across the country since the 1990s. For kids born after that era, the reason they picked up a bat is often none other than Sachin Tendulkar himself.
Every cricket-loving household likely had an MRF bat, inspired by watching him grace the television screens. Just as he inspired fans across generations, Sachin also motivated his teammates, both on and off the field.
Here is a compilation of quotes from his teammates and friends, reflecting on the incredible journey of the great man himself.
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Sachin Tendulkar’s Teammates
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
"He continues to give more than 100 per cent and his schoolboy-like enthusiasm for the game is something I envy and admire. For the team he is the best available coaching manual."
Virat Kohli (After winning the 2011 World Cup)
“Sachin Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It is time we carried him on our shoulders."
Saurav Ganguly
"His biggest strength as a batsman is his adaptability. And that is something really, really amazing; something so special."
Rahul Dravid
"Playing in the same team as Sachin is a huge honour. His balance of mind, shrewd judgement, modesty and, above all, his technical brilliance make him my all-time hero... You can't get a more complete cricketer than Sachin."
Kapil Dev
"The way he has taken on the role of India's greatest sporting ambassador... He has, among other things, inspired a generation and more to play cricket.
Virender Sehwag
"Today if I'm a cricketer it is because of Sachin Tendulkar. Else, I would never have picked up a bat. He's the reason behind me playing cricket"
"In his life cricket comes first. When he is on tour he is thinking about nothing but cricket, and when he is not on tour he dedicates quality time to his family. That shows his dedication to the game and to his family. He has found the right balance."
Also, watch the sweet wishes from Virender Sehwag on Sachin Tendulkar’s Birthday
Yuvraj Singh
"He was my childhood hero before he even knew my name. And then one day, I walked into a dressing room and saw him there. The Master himself. But what stayed with me wasn't just his greatness."
When it comes to Sachin Tendulkar, it’s not only his teammates who speak about the greatness of the legendary player—even his opponents have praised him for all that he has achieved and how he has inspired generations of cricketers. Here are some reflections on Sachin’s greatness, shared by his opponents and fellow legends of the game.
Also Read: A look at the five greatest knocks played by Sachin Tendulkar on his 52nd birthday
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Sir Don Bradman
"I saw him (Sachin) playing on television and was struck by his technique, so I asked my wife to come look at him. Now I never saw myself play, but I feel that this player is playing much the same as I used to play, and she looked at him on television and said yes, there is a similarity between the two...his compactness, technique, stroke production... it all seemed to gel"
Also Read: Top 10 Modern Cricketers with Longest International Careers ft. Sean Williams & Sachin Tendulkar
Brian Lara:
"Sachin is a genius. I’m a mere mortal"
"The only batsman I would love to see by paying for the tickets and sitting in the stand just to watch him is none other than Sachin Tendulkar."
Shane Warne:
“I’ll be going to bed having nightmares of Sachin just running down the wicket and belting me back over the head for six. He was unstoppable. I don’t think anyone, apart from Don Bradman, is in the same class as Sachin Tendulkar. He is just an amazing player."
"Sachin Tendulkar is, in my time, the best player without doubt – daylight second, Brian Lara third."
Sir Viv Richards
I think he is marvellous. I think he will fit in whatever category of Cricket that has been played or will be played, from the first ball that has ever been bowled to the last ball that’s going to be. He can play in any era and at any level. I would say he’s 99.5% perfect."
World Leaders and Other Athletes About Sachin Tendulkar
Barack Obama:
"I don’t know cricket. I don’t know how Sachin plays. But I still try to watch him playing because I want to know the reason why my country’s economy goes 0.5% down when he is batting."
Usain Bolt
“For me he (Tendulkar) is one of the greatest cricketers I have seen. He has done extremely well and he is a very aggressive cricketer. I look forward to the day when I can see him play live.”
A Placard at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia
"Commit all your crimes when Sachin is batting. They will go unnoticed because even the Lord is watching."
