- Sachin Tendulkar ODI Wickets: You will be surprised to know that the God of Cricket has more wickets in ODIs than many legendary bowlers. However, often only his runs are discussed.
Source : X.com
Sachin Tendulkar ODI Wickets:
Sachin Tendulkar, famously known as the ‘God of Cricket’, is often discussed because of his runs. Sachin Tendulkar is also remembered for his 100 centuries in international cricket. It has been more than a decade since Sachin retired, but even today many of his records have not been broken. Sachin does wonders not only with the bat, but also with the ball. The proof of this is that he has more wickets in ODIs than bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Hardik Pandya.
Anil Kumble holds the record for taking the most wickets for India in ODI cricket. Kumble has taken 334 wickets in this format. Apart from him, only Javagal Srinath has crossed the 300-wicket mark in ODIs. Talking about Sachin Tendulkar, he has 154 wickets to his name. However, Jasprit Bumrah can soon overtake Sachin. Bumrah has 149 wickets in ODIs.
In ODIs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 141 wickets for India, Ishant Sharma has taken 115 wickets, Yuzvendra Chahal has taken 121 wickets, Munaf Patel has taken 86 wickets, RP Singh has taken 69 wickets and Ravi Shastri has taken 129 wickets. Sachin Tendulkar is ahead of all these legends. Sachin’s best performance in ODIs is 5 wickets for 32 runs.
It is difficult to break these 3 records of Sachin Tendulkar
1- Sachin Tendulkar has scored 50 or more runs the most number of times in international cricket. Tendulkar crossed the 50 run mark 264 times, which includes 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries.
2- Sachin has scored 34,357 runs in international cricket. He is the highest run-scorer in the history of cricket. It is almost impossible for Sachin’s record to be broken.
3- Sachin Tendulkar also holds the record for playing the most number of international matches. He played 664 matches in his career. Currently, Virat Kohli is the only batsman who has crossed the mark of 500 international matches.
Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the “God of Cricket,” is celebrated for his unparalleled batting prowess. With over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries to his name, Tendulkar’s batting records are the stuff of legends. However, what many cricket fans might not know is that Tendulkar’s cricketing brilliance extended beyond the batting crease. The little master also made significant contributions with the ball, and astonishingly, his bowling figures surpass those of some of India’s modern-day greats.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Bowling Stats: A Forgotten Legacy
While Tendulkar’s batting achievements are widely acknowledged, his bowling records often fly under the radar. Throughout his illustrious career, Sachin Tendulkar accumulated 201 international wickets across formats, a testament to his versatility and skill as an all-rounder.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs): Tendulkar claimed 154 wickets at an average of 44.36. His ability to break partnerships and provide crucial breakthroughs made him a handy bowler in the 50-over format.
In Test Cricket: Tendulkar took 46 wickets at an average of 54.17. His role in Test cricket was less prominent as a bowler compared to ODIs, but he still managed to contribute significantly in crucial moments.
In T20 Internationals (T20Is): Tendulkar managed 10 wickets at an average of 30.60. Though his T20I bowling career was brief, he demonstrated his ability to adapt to the shortest format of the game.
Tendulkar vs. Modern-Day Bowlers: A Comparative Analysis
To put Tendulkar’s achievements in perspective, let’s compare his international bowling record with some of India’s leading bowlers in recent times:
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is considered one of the finest bowlers of his generation, known for his exceptional death-overs bowling and his ability to bowl yorkers at will. Despite his remarkable skills and impressive figures, Bumrah has 200 international wickets (104 in ODIs, 146 in Tests, and 55 in T20Is) so far. Tendulkar’s total of 201 international wickets puts him slightly ahead, showing that the Master Blaster’s bowling was not just about occasional breakthroughs but a consistent threat.
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, renowned for his swing bowling and ability to swing the ball both ways, has been a key player for India across formats. As of now, he has accumulated around 284 international wickets (146 in ODIs, 66 in Tests, and 72 in T20Is). While Kumar’s total wicket count surpasses Tendulkar’s, it’s worth noting that Tendulkar’s contribution with the ball was more of an added advantage rather than his primary role.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal, one of India’s premier spin bowlers, has made a significant impact in white-ball cricket with his leg-spin. Chahal has taken 286 international wickets (147 in ODIs, 74 in T20Is, and 15 in Tests). Although Chahal’s wicket tally is higher, Tendulkar’s ability to pick up crucial wickets with his part-time bowling remains remarkable.
4. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya, known for his explosive batting and handy medium-pace bowling, has become a key all-rounder for India. As of now, he has 158 international wickets (45 in ODIs, 49 in T20Is, and 64 in Tests). Tendulkar’s wicket tally of 201 surpasses Pandya’s, highlighting the legendary cricketer’s effectiveness with the ball.
Tendulkar’s Bowling: A Masterclass in Versatility
Sachin Tendulkar’s bowling was marked by its versatility. Unlike specialist bowlers, Tendulkar’s role as a bowler was primarily to provide breaks and complement the primary bowlers. His ability to bowl off-spin, leg-spin, and occasionally medium pace made him a valuable asset in various situations. His most notable bowling performances include:
- Against Pakistan in 1999: Tendulkar’s spell was instrumental in restricting Pakistan’s progress, and he picked up crucial wickets during a high-pressure match.
- Against Australia in 2008: Tendulkar’s contribution in the Test series was vital, including his crucial wickets in key moments.
The Master Blaster’s Enduring Legacy
Sachin Tendulkar’s contributions with the ball, while often overshadowed by his monumental batting records, are a testament to his cricketing genius. His ability to adapt and provide crucial breakthroughs reflects his all-round capabilities and his commitment to the team’s success.
While modern-day bowlers like Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar, Chahal, and Hardik have established themselves as elite bowlers with impressive records, Tendulkar’s bowling achievements remind us of his incredible versatility. He wasn’t just a maestro with the bat; he was also a more-than-competent bowler who played a significant role in many of India’s victories.
Conclusion: Sachin’s All-Round Brilliance
Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 201 international wickets stands as a testament to his all-round cricketing brilliance. Although his primary fame lies in his batting, his contributions with the ball were substantial and impactful. As cricket fans, it’s important to celebrate not just the legendary innings but also the memorable spells that helped secure victories for India. Tendulkar’s bowling stats, surpassing some of the best bowlers of recent times, is a reminder of why he truly is the “God of Cricket.”