Cricket fans often argue about who truly deserves the title “God of Cricket” or “Godfather of Cricket.” The problem? There’s so much content online that either feels too technical or too shallow. If you’re a passionate cricket fan, casual viewer, or someone just curious about the legend behind this title, finding something both fun and fact-based isn’t always easy. This article is for everyday cricket lovers who want something real, easy to read, and packed with value. By the time you finish, you’ll not only know 10 fascinating facts about the God of Cricket—you’ll also understand why this person continues to inspire millions across the world.

Who Is the God of Cricket?

Before we jump into the fun, let’s get the basics straight. When people say “God of Cricket,” they’re usually talking about Sachin Tendulkar, one of the most respected and accomplished cricketers of all time. Known for his unmatched skills, humble nature, and staggering records, Sachin earned this title not just for what he did on the field but for how he carried himself off it.

While the term “Godfather of Cricket” is sometimes used for influential figures like Sir Donald Bradman due to his early impact on the sport, this article will mainly focus on Sachin, who is most widely recognized as the God of Cricket.

1. Sachin Scored 100 International Centuries

Yes, 100. No other cricketer has achieved this. It took over two decades of commitment, performance, and consistency for Sachin to reach this milestone. The hundredth ton came in 2012 against Bangladesh, and the world celebrated with him.

Why it matters:
This record is a reminder of just how long and how well he performed on the global stage.

2. He Played International Cricket for 24 Years

From 1989 to 2013, Sachin Tendulkar played for India—longer than many of his fans have been alive. That’s 24 years of pressure, expectations, and performances at the highest level. Longevity at this level is rare and speaks volumes about his mental and physical strength.

Related Stat:
He played 664 international matches, the most by any player.

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3. He Was the First to Score a Double Century in ODIs

Before 2010, no one had crossed the 200-run mark in One Day Internationals. Sachin changed that against South Africa in Gwalior. He scored 200 not out, breaking a psychological barrier in ODI cricket.

Why it's special:
This opened the floodgates for other players, but Sachin will always be remembered as the one who did it first.

4. Bradman Saw Himself in Sachin

Sir Donald Bradman, the Godfather of Cricket, once told his wife that Tendulkar reminded him of himself. That’s no small praise coming from the greatest Test batsman of all time.

Verified Source:
Bradman made this comment in a 1996 interview after watching Tendulkar play on TV.

5. He Started His Career at Just 16

Imagine facing bowlers like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as a teenager. That’s exactly what Sachin did on his debut against Pakistan in 1989. He took a blow to the nose and continued to bat, showing the world a glimpse of his fearless mindset.

Quote from the Match:
“When he was hit, he didn’t even flinch. That’s when we knew he was special.” – Ravi Shastri

6. He Has the Most Runs in International Cricket

With over 34,000 international runs, Sachin holds the record for the most runs in international cricket history. That includes both Tests and ODIs.

Breakdown:

  • ODIs: 18,426 runs

  • Tests: 15,921 runs

No other player has crossed 30,000 yet.

7. He Never Won the ICC Cricket World Cup… Until 2011

Despite all his achievements, a World Cup win had always eluded him. That changed in 2011, when India lifted the trophy on home soil. Sachin didn’t score in the final, but his presence throughout the tournament was crucial.

Emotional Moment:
Virat Kohli famously said, “He’s carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It’s time we carried him.”

8. He Has a Wax Statue at Madame Tussauds

In 2008, Sachin became the first Indian sportsperson to be honored with a wax statue at Madame Tussauds, London. This shows just how popular he was not just in India, but across the world.

Other Indian Celebrities in Tussauds:
Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Amitabh Bachchan.

9. He Is the Only Player to Score 50 Test Centuries

While many players dream of scoring even 10 or 20 centuries, Sachin hit 50 Test hundreds. His final Test hundred came against South Africa in 2010.

Trivia:
He also has the most Test appearances—200 matches.

10. He Was Given the Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award. In 2014, Sachin became the youngest recipient and the first sportsperson to receive it.

Why this matters:
It wasn't just about cricket; it was about the impact he had on the country.

FAQs

Who is known as the Godfather of Cricket?
Sir Donald Bradman is often called the Godfather of Cricket due to his dominance in the early years of Test cricket.

Why is Sachin Tendulkar called the God of Cricket?
Because of his unmatched records, consistent performances, and influence on generations of players.

How many centuries did Sachin Tendulkar score?
He scored 100 international centuries—51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.

Did Sachin Tendulkar ever win a World Cup?
Yes, in 2011. It was one of the most emotional moments in Indian cricket history.

What was Sachin’s last international match?
His final Test was against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in November 2013.

Pros & Cons of Sachin’s Career

Pros:

  • Record-breaking performances

  • Played for over two decades

  • Respected globally

  • Mentored future players

Cons:

  • Faced criticism during rough patches

  • Long wait for a World Cup win

  • Sometimes labeled as too cautious in T20s

Final Thoughts

Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy as the God of Cricket isn’t just about numbers. It’s about inspiration, emotion, and the way he brought a nation together every time he walked onto the field. Whether you’ve been following cricket since the 90s or just started watching, these facts show why Sachin remains a timeless icon.

Your Turn:
Got a favorite Sachin moment? Drop it in the comments. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with fellow cricket fans!