March 16, 2012
Reactions to Sachin Tendulkar's achieving the record of a 100 international hundreds
March 16, 2012
Reactions to Sachin Tendulkar's achieving the record of a 100 international hundreds
"I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history – a hundred centuries. He has made India proud. Tendulkar's long career has been a triumph of class, character and courage. Wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youth."
Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister, acknowledges Tendulkar's achievement
"What stands out in an exceptional career of unbelievable achievements is Sachin Tendulkar's ability to change, adapt and mould his batting according to the conditions around him. What makes him a phenomenal player is that he has done so many things, be it scoring the highest number of Test and one-day runs or scoring a century of international centuries. What he has done is set a benchmark for future generations which, probably, would be almost impossible for anyone to emulate. He has created a new milestone, which to my mind, is like Don Bradman's average of 99.94, the most memorable feat that any cricketer has achieved."
Former India captain Rahul Dravid
"I believe Sir Donald Bradman is the greatest of them all, but seeing Tendulkar bat, I can say that when he is in top flight, in a variety of conditions, I have seen the best. He has been a genius when it comes to ability, a Trojan when it comes to work ethic and manic when it comes to his focus. Yet we often miss the little things that make him both human and exceptional. As a sportsman, I know how damaging an injury can be. For a batsman, an elbow injury and corrective surgery could be akin to a professional death knell. But the way Sachin overcame those setbacks and played at the highest level with unmatched distinction is special. Friday's century was a testimony to Sachin Tendulkar's self-belief and his unwavering focus. Many of his contemporaries who were spoken of in the same breath did not have the hunger and focus, which is why Sachin stands alone at the summit."
Former West Indies batsman Viv Richards
"The focus should not be about how he got his 100th hundred, but how he got his 100 hundreds."
Sanjay Manjrekar tweets that Tendulkar's feat should be viewed holistically
"@sachin_rt paaji congratulations! It's a small thing for you but a phenomenal historic achievement. Dinner's on me when we meet. Many more!"
Virender Sehwag congratulates his role-model on Twitter
"Everyone, especially the Indians, were waiting for this for a long time but it was just a matter of time before Sachin got there. The outstanding feature of Sachin is his temperament. You would never see him upset on the field. The way he has handled the fame and the fortune is truly remarkable. Well played to him."
Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist
"The skill, the tenacity and the competitive urge still flows freely through the veins of Tendulkar. The fact that Tendulkar has handled fame so well and maintained an attacking outlook throughout is a tribute to not only his skill but also his wonderfully alert mind. Considering the length of his career and the fact that he was able to renew his attacking desires, I would now rate Tendulkar slightly ahead of Brian Lara and comfortably in front of a fading Ricky Ponting."
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell
"I congratulate Sachin on behalf of Pakistan. I am sure people in India would be extremely happy about this. [For] Anyone who wants to pursue a cricketing career, Sachin is the one to be followed."
Former Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad
"Congrats to Sachin on reaching his 100th international 100-just awesome buddy Please press no retirement Q'S and let Sachin enjoy the moment" – Former Australian Bowling Legend Shane Warne – @warne888 on twitter
"India breathes normally! Sachin completes an incredible feat! A hundred 100's. Never done before, perhaps never after!!"
Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan says the nation will be relieved
"I cannot see that being beaten to be honest – it is a phenomenal effort. Records are meant to be broken, but I honestly do not think I will see someone score 100 hundreds in international cricket again."
Alistair Cook, who scored a hundred in a practice game on the same day, says Tendulkar's record will stay intact
"Seriously has anyone actually thought about what Sachin has done here? 100 100s! Absolutely unbelievable. Batter's dream!" #genius
Kevin Pietersen can barely believe Tendulkar's achievement – @kevinpp24 on twitter
"This is indeed a magnificent feat and not likely to be easily emulated. Like millions of others I have personally followed his career ever since he first played for India as a gifted 16-year-old and now, more than two decades later, his passion and personal records, which include more than 33,000 runs, is a modern day wonder."
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat
"Ever since he made his international debut in November 1989, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar has strode cricketing arenas the world over like a colossus. He has broken old records and set new benchmarks. He has been an inspiration to billions, and an ornament to the sport. 16 March 2012 will never be forgotten by cricket-lovers."
BCCI president N Srinivasan talks about the importance of Tendulkar to India and to cricket
