Throwback: Sunil Gavaskar Envisioned Young Sachin Tendulkar To Break All Records

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a throwback video that has recently resurfaced online, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is seen making a bold prediction about a young Sachin Tendulkar, whom he foresaw as the future record-breaker of international cricket.

This video captures a moment where one iconic cricketer entrusts another with the monumental task of taking Indian cricket to new heights.

Sunil Gavaskar, who was Tendulkar's idol growing up, recognized the young prodigy's potential early in his career. Gavaskar, who himself was the first Indian to cross the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket, often praised Tendulkar's skills, discipline, and dedication to the sport, viewing him as the torchbearer of Indian cricket.

In the video, Gavaskar playfully yet earnestly shares his high expectations of Tendulkar, saying, "I for one know that if at the end of his career, he does not get a minimum of 15,000 runs and 40 Test centuries, I shall personally go and strangle him. 20 years down the road, my hands will not have the strength so he might still survive, but I think I will deputize somebody to do that for me. He's got that much talent."

Turning to Tendulkar, he added, "Sachin, I hope you will not let me down, not let Indian cricket down." Tendulkar, with his characteristic humility and smile, replied, "I'll be trying my best."

Gavaskar's prophecy did not just remain a prediction but turned into a reality. Tendulkar, who idolized Gavaskar and often spoke about his admiration for the legend, not only met these expectations but surpassed them in every way imaginable. With a career tally of 15,921 Test runs and 51 Test centuries, Tendulkar soared beyond Gavaskar's forecast, cementing his place in the pantheon of cricket greats.

Beyond his Test achievements, Tendulkar also became a titan in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), amassing 18,426 runs and 49 centuries. He even became the first male cricketer to score a double hundred in ODIs, setting benchmarks that many still find insurmountable. His records - 100 international centuries and over 34,000 international runs - read like a cricketing fairytale.