An epic journey that began with a blob has now clocked 17,000 One-Day International runs. Sachin Tendulkar made his ODI debut way back in 1989 on a December day at Gujranwala in Pakistan. He lasted just two deliveries as Wasim Akram caught him off Waqar Younis but it was a mere stumble before the giant stride into greatness that has lasted two decades.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium rumbled with incessant applause here on Thursday night as the most awaited seventh run was notched up with a dab off Ben Hilfenhaus past square-leg.
Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score 17,000 runs.
His disciple, Virender Sehwag, was at close quarters to witness history being made while even the battle-hardened Aussies whispered their congratulations.
Tendulkar reached the milestone off the 17th delivery of his nascent innings while India chased Australia’s 350 in the fifth ODI of the Hero Honda Cup series. It was Tendulkar’s 435th limited-over match and he was in the familiar territory of having to shepherd India’s hopes.
