Legendry cricketer Sachin Tendulkar had every shot in the book. Although, the Master Blaster could essay any stroke from the coaching manual, there were few instances where a particular shot defined him as the most complete batsman. These strokes depict the batting great’s mastery, craft and sheer class.
Sachin has enthralled his fans with many breathtaking shots that have been a feature of his 24-year long career. Let’s recount some of the most memorable shots played by the Master Blaster that made him stand out from the rest.
Upper cut to Shoaib Akhtar for six (India vs Pakistan, World Cup 2003)
India were taking on arch-rivals Pakistan after almost three years and that too in the World Cup. The stage was set for the Master Blaster to dazzle in the high-octane game. Sachin was charged up for the high-voltage match. In the second over of the match, Shoaib Akhtar ran in to deliver the usual thunderbolt. However, he bowled it short and wide out-side the off-stump. Sachin went on his toes and reached for the ball with the horizontal bat. The ball was hit with the middle of the bat and sailed over third-man into the crowd. That shot gave a hint about Sachin’s intentions. It lit up the stage and had a high psychological impact on the opponents.
Destructive straight drive against Brett Lee (Australia vs India, Melbourne 2008)
Sachin Tendulkar’s trademark straight drive was all about touch and finesse. He would merely dab the ball with elan and it would race down the ground to the ropes. He was on a destructive mood on that day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A brilliant cover-drive pierced the boundary first and Lee was fierce. Lee pitched the next ball full and a little outside the off-stump. Sachin’s blade came down in a flash and absolutely bludgeoned it back past Lee into the boundary ropes. The fielders inside the 30-yard circle were reduced to mere spectators as the ball raced away to the fence like a bullet.
Pulled Andrew Caddick for a massive six (India vs England, World Cup 2003)
England’s senior pacer Andrew Caddick had famously said that ‘Tendulkar is only human’. If you get on his wrong side, Tendulkar sets off on a mission. Explosive openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin gave India a good start with the Master Blaster picking Caddick for some special treatment. When the speedster pitched a ball short, Sachin got into the position quickly by walking across his stumps. He then murderously pulled the short ball high over square-leg for a massive six. Eventually, Caddick was made to eat his words!
Pulls Glenn McGrath for maximum (India vs Australia, ICC Knockout, Nairobi 2000)
Sachin and Australian pacer Glenn McGrath are fierce competitors. When two fierce competitors and adversaries clash, sparks are bound to fly. Sachin is usually quiet. However, this time he chose to show his aggression. Initially, the Master Blaster edged one and it flew over third-man for six. McGrath pitched it short later on and Sachin swiveled to pull him behind square for a massive six. McGrath could do nothing but walk back to his mark with frustration.
Helicopter shot against James Kirtley (India vs England, Natwest Series 2002)
The famous helicopter Shot is attributed to Captain Cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni. However, long before Dhoni burst on to the scene, Sachin had essayed that trademark shot during a Natwest Series encounter against England in 2002. Tendulkar moved back to a fast-bowler James Kirtley, got his front-foot out of the way and swatted the ball as it raced away to the mid-wicket boundary.
Carted Michael Kasprowicz (India vs Australia, Sharjah 1998)
Sachin was in brilliant form against Australia in 1998. The Master Blaster’s special shot against speedster Michael Kasprowicz came during the famous sandstorm innings when India needed to reach a certain score during their run-chase to secure a berth in the final. After a quite start, Sachin unleashed his fury. He danced down the track to Kasprowicz even as the bowled pitched it short. Sachin carted the ball into the mid-wicket stands. To add to Kasprowicz’s frustration, he pulled the next one for another six.