Picture Credit: IPL
Sachin Tendulkar is a living legend of the game of Cricket, and no one can deny that. Having played for more than two decades, Sachin has inspired a generation of cricketers. Even after retiring Sachin is counted among the best batsmen of world cricket. He has ruled probably every bowler he has faced. Sachin Tendulkar has represented India in 200 Tests, 463 ODI, and 1 T20I. He has piled a lot of runs across formats and also holds the record for most centuries in international cricket.
The closest someone has come to breaking Sachin's 100-century record is Ricky Ponting, who finished his career with 71 international centuries. Virat Kohli is the next man with 70 centuries who can come closer to Sachin's record. But that looks distant with Kohli struggling with his form. Nonetheless, even if someone breaks the record, Sachin will always be counted among one of the greatest cricketers to have played the game of Cricket.
And everyone who understands cricket, acknowledges this, including South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes. Testament to this was on display during match 23 of IPL 2022. After the match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings was over and players from both camps came for shaking hands, Rhodes was visibly seen trying to touch Tendulkar's feet. The video of the same went viral on social media platforms.
Five-time champions face 5th defeat in a row
Now coming to the match, five-time champions Mumbai Indians faced their fifth defeat on the trot. They failed to chase 198 posted by Punjab Kings and fell short by 12 runs. Mumbai seemed to have the game in control when Dewald Brevis and Tilak Verma were hitting Punjab bowlers all around the park. But once Brevis lost his wicket, Tilak Verma also followed him shortly. Mumbai's pillar Surya Kumar Yadav tried his best with a 30-ball 43 but succumbed to the scoreboard pressure as he handed a catch to the long-on fielder in the 19th over.