Sachin Tendulkar: Interesting Facts About the Birthday Boy
Sachin Tendulkar may have quit international cricket but he continues to inspire the nation. Here's a look at 10 lesser known off the field facts about the Little Master, who turned 42 on Friday.
A big day for Indian cricket fans as Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar turned 42 on Friday. Sachin may have retired from cricket in November 2013 but Indian fans haven't clearly moved on. He continues to be an inspiration for sports persons across the world! Here's a look at 10 lesser known off the field facts about the birthday boy.
- Sachin used to sleep with his cricket gear during his junior days. Contrary to what you'd imagine, he was a big bully in school!
- 14-year old Sachin became the youngest player to be included in Mumbai's Ranji Team
- Sachin Tendulkar wore pad gifted to him by Sunil Gavaskar during his debut Test vs Pakistan
- When Sachin won the man-of-match award for his first Test ton in 1990, he was given a champagne bottle. However, he could not pop it open as he was below 18 years. He went on to open it on his daughter, Sara's first birthday in 1998.
- A music lover, Sachin loves listening to Kishore Kumar and the rock band Dire Straits.
- Sachin Tendulkar's first car was a Maruti-800. He's still very fond of cars and is so possessive of his Ferrari that he would not allow his wife Anjali to drive it!
- The first brand that Sachin endorsed was health drink 'Boost'. He even featured in many TV adverts alongside Kapil Dev starting 1990.
- Sachin is ambidextrous. He bats with his right hand, but writes with his left. He shares this trait with other personalities such as Tom Cruise, Jimi Hendrix, Rafael Nadal and Einstein.
- Tendulkar is the first sportsperson without an aviation background to be awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain by the Indian Air Force.
- Sachin's wife would never eat or drink while Sachin was batting! Talk about lady luck!