He shot into prominence as a child prodigy. He soon became the run machine on which the fortunes of the Indian cricket team rode piggyback. His presence at the crease meant reassurance not just to the captain in the dressing room but to the entire nation watching the match. His departure from the wicket entailed an inevitable slide. Such is the magic of his willow.

He has the unique distinction of being lauded by the otherwise reclusive genius of another era, the great Sir Don Bradman. Yes, we are talking of none other than Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar – the master blaster.

Sachin was born in Mumbai which is the Mecca of cricket in India. He attended school where the renowned coach, Ramakant Achrekar spotted the boy’s precocious talent. He took the lad under his wings and there started the greatest success story of modern cricket. He created waves in school level tournaments. He shares the record for the longest partnership with Vinod Kambli which found prominent coverage in the media. He made his debut for India in 1989 on the tour to Pakistan. Kris Srikanth was the captain. It was a fairly successful series. Young Sachin was fearless about the reputation of stalwarts in the Pakistani bowling attack. He took the battle to their camp. Then came several home and overseas series and he grew from strength to strength. Sachin’s greatest asset is his aggressive and clutter-free style of batting. His sheer genius in connecting the ball well and placing it at unimaginable angles makes him a tough customer at the wicket. Add the quiet, unbreakable confidence to haul through long innings and you have a natural winner.

The most charming thing about Sachin’s talent is his professional attitude. He is a total team man and always adapts and accepts challenges for the team’s cause. He became a useful one-day bowler and has a creditable record. Captaincy was bestowed on him. But as for all great cricketers, it proved to be his nemesis. His personal form slumped and so did the fortunes of the team. He endured much malice during the lean patch and handed over the reins to an able successor. Now he was free again to do what he did best – play for India.

Several honours were heaped on him both within the cricketing fraternity and from outside. He has played for Yorkshire county which is a rare feat for overseas players in Britain. He is also the beloved face of several products and charities which he supports.

He is married to Anjali and has two kids, Sara and Arjun. An intensely private and humble man, he has not let his fame and fortune spoil his essential decency and grace. He remains the icon of new India for youngsters who believe in their dreams with conviction that they too can reach the top of their professions. In a country without too many role models, he is a glimmer of hope. Here’s a toast to the great man!