The cricketing world has often termed Sachin Tendulkar as the best in the world. Whether it is for his lavish batting or the endless records, the fans and the Pundits can’t stop applauding him. Another reason to applaud “The Little Master” or “Master-Blaster”, has always been in his temperament. This applies to his calm nature, both on and off the pitch.
Over the years, there have been many instances to show us the same. That is why Sachin has been also tagged as the ‘God Of Cricket’. Many times in the past, teams like Australia and Pakistan have really tried to sledge him. However, he has always preferred to answer them with his bat.
The First Incident With Sreesanth
This is the exact reason why he has always been so highly respected and appreciated by one and all. Adding more to that, there was an incident back in his playing days when S Sreesanth had a little go at him. The year was 2007 and the fast-bowler was making a name for himself back then.
He even ran up to Sachin just to let him know that he was right there. However, there was no real retaliation from the ‘Great One’. Despite that, things were rather different nearly six years later.
Sachin vs Sreesanth- Irani Cup 2012/13
It is a well-known fact that Sreesanth was always one of the most fierce competitors on the pitch. He had sledged greats such as Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag during his early days as an international cricketer.
Shree was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad. He played a total of 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is. His last international appearance was in 2011.
This was a chance for Sreesanth to make a comeback into the national team. He nearly made it happen when he was called into India A squad back in 2013. The player was also selected for the Irani Cup 2012/13. It was a Harbhajan Singh led-side that faced Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai, who had been dominant as ever.
The likes of Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Wasim Jaffer and Rohit Sharma were all part of the Mumbai team. Harbhajan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and a number of international cricketers represented Rest of India (ROI). It was a high-intensity affair to say the least.
During the match, an incident caught everyone’s attention. It was Sreesanth once again in limelight. The fast bowler hit Tendulkar on his shoulder with a bouncer. Thankfully, there was no response from his end, as he had done six years ago.
The Reaction From Tendulkar
Unfazed (as we know Sachin Tendulkar to be), he stood there calm and composed, as he had been doing forever. Showing his experience and class on the very next delivery, the Master Blaster (on 95) quickly moved to 99 with a splendid cover-drive that reached the boundary.
Everyone who saw this, live and back home, remembered why Tendulkar is regarded as one of the finest players. Interestingly, Tendulkar managed to complete his century against the same bowler as well. Kapil Dev, who was on commentary highlighted Siddhu’s comment about the same, as seen in the video.
Eventually, the five-day game did end in a draw. It was ROI that won the match on the basis of the first-innings lead. However, Sachin Tendulkar and this epic moment from the match will never be forgotten.
