The man who redefined cricket for generations to come while stamping his legendary status on Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar turned a year older on April 24, 2024.
For India, Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest batter to have ever graced the sport, akin to a deity. Even stalwart Virat Kohli, notably, bowed down to his legacy after a record-breaking 50th ODI century in the 2023 Cricket World Cup semifinal at Wankhede last year.
There are barely any records untouched by the Master Blaster, most important of those will always remain, his 100 centuries across formats. Of those, 49 came in the ODIs, and 51 in Tests.
As the 51-year-old rings in his birthday, wishes poured in from all corners of the world.
His former teammate Yuvraj Singh was among the first to extend greetings on social media, 'Happy birthday paaji! _ From smashing bowlers on the field to smashing life goals, you're the reason I learned to aim higher in life (and sometimes on the field too) Here's wishing you loads of love, good health and happiness always.'
For Indian cricketers, Tendulkar has been among the top reasons for taking up the sport, former cricketers S Badrinath and Suresh Raina were nothing different.
'Happy Birthday dearest, Sachin paaji! You are the reason why I took up the sport. Thank you for being an inspiration. Looking forward to some golf course partnerships soon,' Badrinath wrote.
Raina's wishes also made a mention of Tendulkar's well-known cover drives, 'Happy Birthday Paji, Your legendary career has inspired millions and your grace both on and off the field continues to set the bar. Wishing you health, happiness, and a year as splendid as your cover drives!'
Tendulkar's 2011 World Cup-winning teammate Gautam Gambhir took to his social media, 'Many happy returns of the day
@sachin_rt ! May god bless you with a long and healthy life!'
While, Mohammed Kaif was all-praise for Tendulkar's grace and humility, 'Sachin Paaji, you continue to inspire all of us. So much to learn from your grace and humility. Have a great day.'
Former India batter Wasim Jaffer termed Tendulkar a genius 'who set the standard for batsmanship all across the globe!', while wishing him on his birthday.
Though Tendulkar did not play more than one T20 International, he was and continues to be an integral part of his home franchise Mumbai Indians.
The social media of the 5-time IPL champions too greeted the legend on his special day, 'To the man who made batting look 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙡 and magical - happy birthday, Sachin Tendulkar!'