How Much Will India Miss Sachin at the World Cup?

For the first time since 1992, the ICC World Cup is being played in Australia and New Zealand. For the first time since 1992, a certain Sachin Tendulkar will not be a part of India's World Cup campaign. (Tendulkar considered quitting after World Cup 2007)

The Men in Blue will kickstart this World Cup with a clash against arch rivals Pakistan. Incredibly, in 5 encounters vs the men in green in the World Cup, Sachin bagged the Man of the Match award thrice. No wonder then that NDTV's World Cup expert and former India cricketer VVS Laxman has said, "India will always miss a legend like Sachin Tendulkar. Not only for the game against Pakistan. No one can replace Sachin Tendulkar." (India favourites to remain unbeaten vs Pakistan, says Gavaskar, Laxman)

In the last edition in 2011, Sachin was the second highest run-getter with 482 runs in 9 matches, at an average of 53.5, with 2 centuries. Overall in 6 World Cups, Sachin scored 2278 runs, the most by any batsman. He also holds the record for the most World Cup centuries (6) and the most 50 scores (15). (Complete World Cup coverage)

Incredibly, the 11th edition of the World Cup will be the first which will be played without either Javed Miandad or Sachin Tendulkar. Both players have had a huge impact for their teams, not just in World Cups, but overall in international cricket. NDTV expert and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar echoed that sentiment saying, "They have played pivotal roles for their teams during the time that they played. Their's were such important wickets to get. If you got Tendulkar out then the whole Pakistan team would be buoyed. Similarly if you got Javed Miandad out, you knew that you were into the rest of the batting who would not be able to cope with the pressure." (World Cup opening ceremony: Thunder Down Under after 23 years)

Sachin, who was a ball boy in the 1987 edition of the World Cup went onto become the biggest name in Indian cricket. His message for Dhoni and company was simple, "Enjoy the game, give your best. We are with you".  

For the first time in 23 years, Team India will have to take the field in a World Cup, without the man who has been the most successful player ever at the showpiece event of world cricket. For the first time in 23 years, Sachin will be watching from the sidelines.