Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar: 7 unusual facts you probably didn’t know

DH Online

Not many know that Sachin Tendulkar was initially sent to cricket coaching as a form of punishment for his mischievous behaviour.

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Credit: Instagram/@sachintendulkar

It was Sachin’s elder brother, Ajit, who recognized his talent and made him concentrate on cricket.

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Credit: Instagram/@sachintendulkar

Sachin’s first love was tennis. As an ardent fan of tennis legend John McEnroe, Sachin spent his early years playing in headbands and tennis gear.

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Credit: X/@sachin_rt

A young Sachin Tendulkar once fielded for Pakistan at Brabourne Stadium in 1988, a year before his official Team India debut.

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Credit: Instagram/@sachintendulkar

Sachin’s initial ambition was to become a fast bowler, but after facing rejection from Australian legend Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation in 1987, he decided to shift his full attention to batting.

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Credit: DH Pool Photo

Among his many legendary records, Sachin holds the unique record of being the first player in international cricket to be dismissed by a third umpire, following a run-out referral in 1992.

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Credit: PTI

Sachin, a big-time movie buff, once donned a fake beard and glasses to sneak into a theater to watch Roja in 1995. However, his plan backfired after his glasses fell, which led to a massive fan frenzy.

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Credit: Instagram/@sachintendulkar