"People sometimes throw stones at you and you have to convert them into milestones," these were Sachin Tendulkar’s words after he became the highest run-scorer in test cricket today in Mohali. Tendulkar broke the West Indies batsman Brian Lara’s record of 11,954 playing in his 152nd match. The whole nation is gripped in Pre-Diwali celebrations as fans rejoice the landmarks our little wonder created today. He is the first man ever to cross the 12000-run mark. Many will follow him, even supersede his record. But Tendulkar will go down the history as the man who set the benchmark for others and arguably as the biggest cricketing icon of all times.

Tendulkar was posed to break this record quite a few matches earlier. He missed it by 14 runs in the first test match against Australia. He made no mistakes this time. As he passed Lara’s mark, he looked heavenwards in his usual manner of gesture and gratitude. Humbleness is very hard to come, especially when you are the most celebrated batsman in history. It just comes naturally to Sachin.

Tendulkar has a superlative record of 39 centuries and 12,027 runs in 152 test matches played over two decades. He was the first batsman to surpass the 10000-run threshold in ODI cricket and holds the record for the highest number of centuries in both ODI (42) and test cricket (39). The number 4 position in the Indian batting line-up seems to be cut for him. He has scored 9953 runs playing at number 4, averaging 55.91!

He has been dogged by taunts, that he plays for records first and then for team throughout his career. Maintaining his signature composure, Sachin asserts, "I wanted to play my best game against the opposition not break records and while doing that if I break records, its a just a reflection of what I have been able to contribute as a player for Indian cricket." His wife, Anjali Tendulkar seconds him on this.

Indian Prime Minister and President have extended their congratulations to Sachin calling him “genius” and national pride. Test captain Anil Kumble expressed, "To have shared the dressing room (with him) and seen him scoring every run sitting inside the dressing room and sometime out there on the other side is a fantastic feeling."

This whole spate of achievements comes at a time when he, along with four other senior players are under pressure for retiring. Sachin says he wants to play as long as he enjoys the game. Go on Sachin, we’re lovin’ it!

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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