Weavers have a 100 Sachin in a bedsheet

Who would not want to be with Sachin Tendulkar? Now, handloom weavers in Erode district (in Tamil Nadu) have made it possible to get personal with Sachin. They have weaved in 100 images of a young Sachin taking stance on to a single bedsheet, in anticipation of the maestro reaching a century of international hundreds.

K Appusamy, a weaver from Chennimalai in Erode district, says they have in the past produced bedsheets that showcased images of national leaders. Sachin, of course, is special. "At the end of day 3 of the Mumbai test, Sachin was on 67. Then I hoped he would hit a ton and ordered my unit to come out with the bedsheet. But he got out on 94. I was disappointed but I am sure he would hit the ton eventually," Appusamy said.

The Chennimalai Weavers Cooperative Production and Sales Society that Appusamy heads is world famous for its textile products. They export garments to many African countries including Ghana and Nigeria. "Through Co-optex we have also exported to European countries including Germany and Italy," says Appusamy.

"I chose Sachin because he has won India a lot of accolades in the world arena. In his chosen field he has lasted 20 years, which is a lot. He has also hit a double century in one-day internationals. We had made our first Sachin bedsheet then. This is our second one," he said.

Other leaders to have features in Chennimalai bedsheets are Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, APJ Abdul Kalam.

Betting on Tendulkar's 100th ton crosses Rs 2 bn mark

Gamblers have betted over Rs 2 billion over Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar becoming the first batsman to score an unprecedented 100 international centuries, punters have revealed.

The landmark has been tensely anticipated since the 38-year-old notched two centuries during the 50-over World Cup earlier this year to reach a total of 99.

“The money for Tendulkar scoring a century in Mumbai crossed the two billion rupees mark,” a punter told Gulf News.

Another punter said: “Betting reaches its peak when majority agrees on a poll. I’m sure those who betted on Tendulkar not reaching his century must be very rich today.”

During the Mumbai Test against the West Indies, a television poll resulted in 71 per cent predicting Tendulkar’s century.

Tendulkar was caught in the first innings at second slip for 94 -- six runs short of the landmark in the morning session on Friday.

Sachin's 'Nervous' 90 syndrome

The wait is not yet over, as Sachin disappointed cricket buffs around the globe by failing to record his 100th ton falling by 6 runs on Day 4 of the third test at Wankhede. This is not the first time, Sachin has got out after reaching 90.

Its quite common with cricketers as they become cautious and experience pressure while on 90, Sachin has the record for being dismissed maximum times after reaching 90 odd runs. Thats also a record and the man possess that too.

Sachin's overall tally of 28 dismissals in 90s includes both the formats of the game. In the limited-overs format, Sachin has been dismissed 18 times after reaching 90s while he has missed out on scoring a century 10 times in Test cricket.

After scoring the 99th century, when people were eagerly waiting for his 100th ton, a historic moment, Sachin has been dismissed twice after scoring 90 odd runs.

While this is not only for Sachin, Rahul Dravid too has faced similar problems as he has been dismissed 10 times in Test Cricket after scoring 90 odd runs while Steve Waugh too jointly holds the record for the same. With the recent dismissal of Sachin, against West Indies, he equals Rahul Dravid and Steve Waugh's record for highest number of dismissals after reaching 90 runs in test cricket.

Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid has recorded the same 14 times including ODIs while Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting both are on 13 while Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has recorded 12 dismissals.

With the number of dismissals after scoring 90 odd runs reaching 28, Sachin seems to have some problems while he is on the verge of scoring a century. Probably thats the nervous 90 phenomenon that he has been witnessing for quite sometime now, as he becomes restless, very cautious taking more time to score runs. Changes to defensive mode and takes singles and doubles than scoring boundaries or going for big hits.

Tendency to play safe, amounts to the pressure while his record suggests that as pressure builds, there are chances of throwing away the wicket or getting out for an untimely shot. These are bound to happen whether we take it as a nervous 90 syndrome or consider it as unlucky, the fact is being vulnerable after reaching a particular score.

Here's a list of Sachin's 90s.
90s in Tests

94 Vs West Indies, Mumbai (Nov 2011)
91 Vs England, The Oval (August 2011)
98 Vs Australia, Mohali (2010)
97 Vs South Africa, Mumbai (2000)
96 Vs Sri Lanka, Bangalore (1994)
94 Vs Pakistan, Mohali (2005)
92 Vs West Indies, Barbados (1997)
92 Vs England, Trent Bridge (1994)
91 Vs England, Trent Bridge (2007)
90 Vs England, Bangalore (2001)

90s in ODIs

90 Vs Australia, Mumbai (Feb 27, 1996)
91 Vs Australia, Brisbane (Mar 4, 2008)
91 Vs England, Sharjah (Dec 11, 1997)
99 Vs England, Brisbane (Aug 24, 2007)
94 Vs England, The Oval (Sep 5, 2007)
95 Vs Pakistan, Dhaka (Jan 14, 1998)
93 Vs Pakistan, Hobart (Jan 21, 2000)
98 Vs Pakistan, Centurion (Mar 1, 2003)
95 Vs Pakistan, Lahore (Feb 13, 2006)
99 Vs Pakistan, Mohlai (Nov 15, 2007)
97 Vs Pakistan, Gwalior (Nov 2007)
93 Vs South Africa, Nagpur (Mar 19, 2000)
99 Vs South Africa, Belfast (Jun 26, 2007)
93 Vs South Africa, Belfast (Jun 29, 2007)
93 Vs Srilanka, Dhaka ( Jun 1, 2000)
97 Vs Srilanka, Johannesburg (Mar 10, 2003)
93 vs Srilanka, Nagpur (Oct 25, 2005)
96 Vs Srilanka, Cuttack (Dec 21, 2009)

With 28 dismissals on reaching 90 odd runs, this happens to be the only weakness that can be spotted in the career spanning 22 years. Sachin with loads of experience, people wonder why the master is struggling to convert such valuable 90s to a fine century. Hope prevails as Sachin will get rid of this nervous 90 phenomenon soon and reach the milestone as early as possible.

Tendulkar is a pocket rocket, says Cummins

Describing Sachin Tendulkar a "pocket rocket", Australia's new pace sensation Pat Cummins is excited at the prospect of "versing" the "rockstar".

The 18-year-old, who made a sensational Test debut by taking seven wickets to set up a thrilling series-levelling win for Australia against South Africa earlier this month, is looking forward to bowl against Tendulkar in the Test series next month.


The 38-year-old Tendulkar made his Test debut three-and-a-half years before Cummins was even born.

"He's one of the greats of all time, I've grown up watching him," Cummins told 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.

"For someone who is a bit of a pocket rocket, he's not too tall, even against the fastest bowlers he seems to stand up and lift another gear.

"To get a game, even here in Australia, would be unbelievable. To be versing the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid - it's going to be a massive challenge. He's someone hopefully all the bowlers don't get too overawed versing him and I guess you've got to still imagine him like any other batsmen," he added.

India and Australia will square off in a much-anticipated Test series starting December 26. Cummins said he would not "waste time" chalking out a bowling strategy for Tendulkar as the Indian is "too good everywhere".

"It's more imagining the moment of playing people like him, it'd be a massive thrill," Cummins said.

"Sachin Tendulkar has got a massive following in India and is a rockstar over there. Someone like him, all the fame, it'd be on a whole new different level versing him," he added.

Sachin Tendulkar fever returns to Wankhede Stadium

Sachin Tendulkar returns to his home venue for the final Test against the West Indies starting on Tuesday amid the familiar pressure of expectation of hitting another century.

A century at the Wankhede Stadium this time around would be extra special because it would be his 100th international ton, which Tendulkar has been chasing since the World Cup earlier this year.

Tendulkar moved from 97 to 99 centuries during the World Cup in February and March but has been unable to get another three-figure mark since, with a score of 91 against England in the Oval Test in the summer coming the closest.

But Tendulkar, who is the highest run-scorer and century-maker in both Tests and one-dayers, has dismissed the landmark as "just another number."

"When I got my 90th international century, nobody said anything," Tendulkar was quoted as saying by a newspaper on Saturday. "Even before my 99th century, nobody said anything. So why now? I don't understand."

Tendulkar, who completed 22 years in international cricket last week, said he knew people were getting impatient.

"I know everyone is talking and thinking about my 100th century. I want to be relaxed and let cricket decide its own course. I am not rushing into anything, just concentrating on my normal game," he said.

But the Mumbai Cricket Association has decided to make it a special occasion by announcing it will present Tendulkar with 100 gold coins if he gets to the unprecedented landmark this week.

The state association has also lowered the price of tickets, which start at $1 per day, in a bid to get spectators to the ground after dwindling attendances in recent games across India.

Tendulkar potential landmark is a popular talking point in India and players from all sides are regularly asked for comment.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy suggested on Monday that he would rather watch Tendulkar get the ton after this series.

"Much as I would like him to get a century, I would like to see him do it against some other team on television," he said. "I will be the first to jump up in joy when he gets there if it is not against us."

Senior India batsman VVS Laxman said the way Tendulkar prepares for every game sets him apart.

"His preparation is special in each and every match," Laxman said Monday. "That has been the hallmark of Sachin and why he has done well for so many years."

Laxman said Tendulkar's approach always remains the same.

"He takes every practice session seriously, irrespective of whether he is reaching a milestone or not, to make sure he is ready, mentally and physically. He has survived for so long and has been a true match winner for the country," he said.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni declined to speculate and said plans for the celebration of Tendulkar's 100th century will firm up only after Tendulkar reaches the landmark.

"Let him get to the century and then we will decide how to celebrate it," Dhoni said at the beginning of the series against West Indies.

Tendulkar's top score in the series has been a knock of 76 in the first Test in New Delhi, which India won by five wickets.

Sachin Tendulkar will get 100 gold coins if he scores 100th century in Mumbai

Sachin Tendulkar will be honoured with 100 gold coins, if he gets a 100th century at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

“MCA President Vilasrao Deshmukh has decided that the association should give Tendulkar a 100 gold coins if he completed the 100th international century at his home ground,” Nitin Dalal, Joint Secretary of MCA Mumbai Cricket Association, said on Saturday.

For the currency-inclined, the net worth of 100 gold coins is estimated to be around Rs 28 lakh.

The Cricket Association of Bengal had promised to give the champion batsman 100 gold coins if he achieved the unprecedented feat in the second Test at the Eden Gardens, which concluded on November 17, Dalal pointed out.

However, Tendulkar could not reach the coveted landmark in Kolkata and has the chance to achieve it in his home town here in Mumbai.

His last international hundred was made during the World Cup held between February and April this year, against South Africa at Nagpur on March 12.

The third and final Test match between India and West Indies will be commencing on November 22 at the Wankhede stadium. India has an unbeatable 2-0 lead against West Indies.

Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar has already promised to donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international century to the proposed cricket museum at the Eden Gardens, a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official claimed on Thursday.

“Sachin has told us that he would donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international hundred to the cricket museum,” CAB joint secretary Biswarup Dey told media persons here.

Tendulkar, who missed out on the milestone by 26, runs in the second innings of the opening Test in Delhi said “I am not thinking about that. I feel it (100 hundreds) is just a number. I am thinking about playing good cricket. I am enjoying my game.”

100th ton "just a number" for Sachin Tendulkar

Indian star Sachin Tendulkar says he is not weighed down by expectations over his 100th century as he headed home to Mumbai for next week's final Test against the West Indies.

As millions of fans wait for him to become the first batsman in history to score a century of international hundreds, the 38-year-old appeared unruffled by the hype around the landmark.

"I feel it is just a number," the most successful batsman in both Test and one-day cricket, told on Friday.

"I am not thinking about it. I am thinking about playing good cricket. I am enjoying my game."

Fans hope he will attain the feat on his home ground at the Wankhede stadium when the Test starts on Tuesday, but Tendulkar said he could not understand what the fuss was all about.

"When I got my 90th international century, nobody said anything," he told the paper. "Even before my 99th century, nobody said anything. So why now? I don't understand.

"I know everyone is talking and thinking about my 100th century. I want to be relaxed and let cricket decide its own course. I am not rushing into anything, just concentrating my normal game."

Tendulkar has now gone four one-day internationals and six Tests without a century since slamming his 99th ton during a World Cup match against South Africa in Nagpur in March.

He came close to the milestone thrice when he scored 85 in the World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, 91 in the Oval Test against England in August and 76 in the first Test of the ongoing series against the West Indies in New Delhi.

Tendulkar said he was more excited about completing 22 years at the top level since his international debut in a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989.

"It's a wonderful feeling," "It gives me immense pleasure and terrific satisfaction that I've been able to serve my country for such a long time."

Tendulkar has scored 15,086 runs in 183 Tests with 51 centuries, and 18,111 runs in 453 one-day internationals with 48 hundreds.

Sachin Tendulkar can hit his 100th ton anytime, feels Suresh Raina

India’s aggressive batsman, Suresh Raina, has played down the hype of Sachin Tendulkar’s much-anticipated 100th International century, and said that the Master Blaster is well capable of hitting his elusive ton anytime.

In his interview, Raina disclosed that Tendulkar is not bothered about his historic ton, as the Little Master just concentrates on his game, not records.

“I feel that the best thing about Sachin is that he enjoys the success of others. That makes him all the more special for all of us,” said Raina who is not a part of India’s Test side currently engaged in the three-match series against West Indies.

The baby faced cricketer also lauded senior players such as,Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Tendulkar for their support and help for the newcomers.

After 100th ton, Sachin Tendulkar to donate bat to Eden Gardens

Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar has promised to donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international century to the proposed cricket museum at the Eden Gardens, a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official claimed Thursday.

"Sachin has told us that he would donate the bat with which he scores his 100th international hundred to the cricket museum," CAB joint secretary Biswarup Dey told mediapersons here.

Tendulkar also donated his gloves and a national team jersey after the Mahendra Singh Dhoni led side defeated the West Indies at the Eden Gardens Thursday to record India's 75th Test win on home soil.

Dhoni also gifted the CAB the bat with which he struck a hundred in the second Test that ended here in a thumping innings and 15 run win for India.

Keeping in mind the milestone of the 75th win, the CAB had requested the Indian team to donate some memorabilia like their cricketing gear.

The equipment will be displayed in the "India's 75th Test win at Home" sectionof the museum.

Sachin Tendulkar becomes the highest run-scorer in the fourth innings of Tests

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar keeps scoring runs at a pace wherein it looks like the record books are running out of pages listing the ones created by the master blaster.

The ‘run machine’ has not yet reached the much-awaited milestone of 100 international centuries, a territory no other cricketer has not yet conquered. But he treated the spectators with yet another feather on his cap by becoming the highest run-getter in fourth innings of Test matches. He went past Rahul Dravid's tally of 1507 runs during the first Test against West Indies recently at an average of 39.86.

The wait for the 100th century stretches back to the World Cup in April, but Sachin fell short of the feat once again by making 76 in the second innings of the Kotla Test. Meanwhile, he completed 15000 runs in Test cricket.

Sachin has scored 51 centuries in Tests and 48 in one-dayers.

Also, he created a record for aggregating most runs in the fourth innings in Tests at an average of 39.86, going past Rahul Dravid's tally of 1507 runs during the first Test against West Indies recently.

Other active members on the list include Rahul Dravid, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith. Tendulkar also became the highest run-getter at the Feroz Shah Kotla, going past Dilip Vengsarkar.

Sachin Tendulkar hits 15,000 Test runs

Sachin Tendulkar of India on Tuesday became the first batsman in history to score 15,000 Test runs.

Tendulkar, 38, achieved the feat when he reached 28 on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi.

Tendulkar was unbeaten on 33 and Rahul Dravid was on 30 as India - set a victory target of 276 - reached 152-2 by stumps.

The Mumbai batsman, playing his 182nd Test match, already holds the world record for most runs and centuries in both Test and one-day cricket.

Tendulkar needs one more three-figure knock to become the first batsman to score 100 international hundreds. He has 51 Test and 48 one-day centuries so far.

Dravid is second in the Test scorers list with 12,859 runs, ahead of Ricky Ponting of Australia (12,487) and West Indian Brian Lara (11,953).

Top run-getters in Test cricket (minimum 10,000 runs)

1. 15,005 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND)

2. 12,859 - Rahul Dravid (IND)

3. 12,487 - Ricky Ponting (AUS)

4. 11,953 - Brian Lara (WIS)

5. 11,947 - Jacques Kallis (RSA)

6. 11,174 - Allan Border (AUS)

7. 10,927 - Steve Waugh (AUS)

8. 10,122 - Sunil Gavaskar (IND)