Editing Sachin Tendulkar (section)

== Career ==
{{Further|List of international cricket centuries by Sachin Tendulkar}}

=== Early tours ===
[[Raj Singh Dungarpur]] is credited for the selection of Tendulkar for the [[Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 1989–90|Indian tour of Pakistan in late 1989]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_his-last-words-donald-george-bradman_1289714 |title=His last words: Donald George Bradman |access-date=11 March 2011 |date=13 September 2009 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |location=India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403050738/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_his-last-words-donald-george-bradman_1289714 |archive-date=3 April 2012 }}</ref> after one first class season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1933/First-Class_Matches.html |title=First-Class Matches played by Sachin Tendulkar |publisher=CricketArchive |access-date=3 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123133144/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1933/First-Class_Matches.html |archive-date=23 January 2010 }}</ref> The Indian selection committee had shown interest in selecting Tendulkar for the [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies in 1988–89|tour of the West Indies]] held earlier that year, but eventually did not select him, as they did not want him to be exposed to the dominant fast bowlers of the West Indies so early in his career.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Tendulkar was the youngest player to debut for India in [[Test cricket|Tests]] at the age of 16 years and 205 days, and also the youngest player to debut for India in ODI at the age of 16 years and 238 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cricket.yahoo.com/photos/sachin-tendulkar-s-roll-of-honour-slideshow/sachin-tendulkar-of-india-photo-1381065544719.html;_ylt=Ahxw4ULuOeAHk7zpc4cVYHo3uWNH;_ylu=X3oDMTNrb3Y2ZjR2BHBrZwM1NWY0Zjc1ZC0xNTgwLTNjNWEtODJmZC1iMzI1MGQxOTczOTgEc2VjA01lZGlhQ2Fyb3VzZWxQaG90b0dhbGxlcnlDQVhIUgR2ZXIDZGZhNGU1ZDAtMmU4OS0xMWUzLTlkZmEtOGJjM2U5N2JjZDY0;_ylg=X3oDMTBhM285c21iBGxhbmcDZW4tSU4-;_ylv=3|title=Sachin the youngest ever to play for India|publisher=Yahoo Cricket|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915161618/http://cricket.yahoo.com/photos/sachin-tendulkar-s-roll-of-honour-slideshow/sachin-tendulkar-of-india-photo-1381065544719.html;_ylt=Ahxw4ULuOeAHk7zpc4cVYHo3uWNH;_ylu=X3oDMTNrb3Y2ZjR2BHBrZwM1NWY0Zjc1ZC0xNTgwLTNjNWEtODJmZC1iMzI1MGQxOTczOTgEc2VjA01lZGlhQ2Fyb3VzZWxQaG90b0dhbGxlcnlDQVhIUgR2ZXIDZGZhNGU1ZDAtMmU4OS0xMWUzLTlkZmEtOGJjM2U5N2JjZDY0;_ylg=X3oDMTBhM285c21iBGxhbmcDZW4tSU4-;_ylv=3|archive-date=15 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cricket.yahoo.com/photos/sachin-tendulkar-s-roll-of-honour-slideshow/sachin-tendulkar-portrait-photo-1381065553054.html |title=Sachin the youngest ever to play for India in ODIs |publisher=Yahoo Cricket |access-date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123113301/http://cricket.yahoo.com/photos/sachin-tendulkar-s-roll-of-honour-slideshow/sachin-tendulkar-portrait-photo-1381065553054.html |archive-date=23 November 2013 }}</ref> Tendulkar made his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut against Pakistan in [[Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 1989–90|Karachi in November 1989]] aged 16 years and 205 days. He scored 15 runs, being bowled by [[Waqar Younis]], who also made his debut in that match. He was noted for how he handled numerous blows to his body at the hands of the Pakistani pace attack.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Andrew |last2=Williamson |first2=Martin |date=11 December 2007 |title=Eleven quirky debuts |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/eleven-quirky-debuts-239768 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621133422/http://www.espncricinfo.com/columns/content/current/story/239768.html |archive-date=21 June 2014 |access-date=12 December 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In the fourth and final Test match in [[Sialkot]], he was hit on the nose by a bouncer bowled by Younis, but he declined medical assistance and continued to bat even as he his nose gushed blood.<ref name="timeline">{{cite news|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/35320.html?index=timeline |title=Sachin Tendulkar Timeline |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=4 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522105537/http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/35320.html?index=timeline |archive-date=22 May 2010 }}</ref> In a 20-over exhibition game in [[Peshawar]], held in parallel with the bilateral series, Tendulkar made 53 runs off 18 balls, including an over in which he scored 27 runs bowled by leg-spinner [[Abdul Qadir (cricketer)|Abdul Qadir]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://feedsuk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1989-90/IND_IN_PAK/IND_PAK_EXHIB_16DEC1989.html |title=Exhibition Match, Pakistan v India, 16 Dec 1989 |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=16 December 1989 |access-date=2 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927135227/http://feedsuk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1989-90/IND_IN_PAK/IND_PAK_EXHIB_16DEC1989.html |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref> This was later called "one of the best innings I have seen" by the then Indian captain [[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/145713.html |title=A suitable beginning – Tendulkar takes Qadir on |date=March 2005 |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104010903/http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/145713.html |archive-date=4 November 2009 }}</ref> In all, Tendulkar scored 215 runs at an average of 35.83 in the Test series, and was dismissed without scoring a run in the only [[One Day International]] (ODI) he played.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=301;type=series |title=Cricket Records – India in Pakistan Test Series, 1989/90 – Most runs |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=4 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819022021/http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=301%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=19 August 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/PAK/Wills_Challenge_1989-90/India_Batting.html |title=Batting and Fielding for India in Wills Challenge 1989/90 |publisher=CricketArchive |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312105455/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/PAK/Wills_Challenge_1989-90/India_Batting.html |archive-date=12 March 2010 }}</ref>

The series was followed by a tour of New Zealand in which he scored 117 runs at an average of 29.25 in Tests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/NZ/India_in_New_Zealand_1989-90/t_India_Batting.html |title=Test Batting and Fielding for India in India in New Zealand 1989/90 |publisher=CricketArchive |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306184906/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/NZ/India_in_New_Zealand_1989-90/t_India_Batting.html |archive-date=6 March 2010 }}</ref> He was dismissed without scoring in one of the two ODI games he played, and scored 36 in the other.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/NZ/Rothmans_Cup_Triangular_Series_1989-90/India_Batting.html |title=Batting and Fielding for India in Rothmans Cup Triangular Series 1989/90 |publisher=CricketArchive |access-date=5 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310195654/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/NZ/Rothmans_Cup_Triangular_Series_1989-90/India_Batting.html |archive-date=10 March 2010 }}</ref> On a 1990 tour to England, on 14 August, he became the second-youngest cricketer to score a Test century as he made 119 not out in the second Test at [[Old Trafford (cricket ground)|Old Trafford]] in Manchester.<ref name="timeline" /> [[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack|''Wisden'']] described his innings as "a disciplined display of immense maturity" and also wrote, "He looked the embodiment of India's famous opener, [[Sunil Gavaskar|Gavaskar]], and indeed was wearing a pair of his pads. While he displayed a full repertoire of strokes in compiling his maiden Test hundred, most remarkable were his off-side shots from the back foot. Though only 5ft 5in tall, he was still able to control without difficulty short deliveries from the English pacemen".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152030.html |title=Wisden – England v India 1990 |publisher=[[Wisden Almanack]] |access-date=17 August 2009 |last=Otway |first=Graham |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126053559/http://www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152030.html |archive-date=26 November 2009 }}</ref>

Tendulkar's reputation grew during the 1991–92 tour of Australia held before the [[1992 Cricket World Cup]]. During the tour, he scored an unbeaten 148 in the third Test at [[Sydney Cricket Ground|Sydney]], making him the youngest batsman to score a century in Australia. He then scored 114 on a fast, bouncing pitch in the final Test at [[WACA Ground|Perth]] against a pace attack from [[Merv Hughes]], [[Bruce Reid]], and [[Craig McDermott]]. Hughes commented to [[Allan Border]] at the time that "This little prick's going to get more runs than you, AB."<ref name="Tendertouch" />

=== Rise through the ranks ===

==== 1994–96: ODI matches ====
Tendulkar opened the batting at [[Auckland]] against New Zealand in 1994, making 82 runs off 49 balls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/149893.html |title=Sachin the opener |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=26 March 2007 |access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref> He scored his first ODI century on 9 September 1994 against Australia in [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]] at [[Colombo Cricket Club Ground|Colombo]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sachin's First ODI Century |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin/features/201096-sachin-tendulkars-odi-timeline-23-unforgettable-years |access-date=18 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415122309/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin/features/201096-sachin-tendulkars-odi-timeline-23-unforgettable-years |archive-date=15 April 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sachin's First ODI Ton |access-date=9 September 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=9 September 2005 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/149343.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909111214/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/149343.html |archive-date=9 September 2016 }}</ref> He competed in 78 ODIs before scoring his first century.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

[[File:Sachin at the other end.jpg|thumb|left|Tendulkar waits at the bowler's end.]]
Tendulkar's rise continued when he was the leading run scorer at the [[1996 Cricket World Cup|1996 World Cup]], scoring two centuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=722;type=tournament|title=Cricket Records – Wills World Cup, 1995/96|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref> He was the only Indian batsman to perform well in the semi-final against Sri Lanka.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} Tendulkar fell amid a batting collapse{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} and the match referee, [[Clive Lloyd]], awarded Sri Lanka the match after the crowd began rioting and throwing litter onto the field.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bal |first=Sambit |date=21 February 2007 |title=Mad Max destroys India |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/top-world-cup-performances-aravinda-de-silva-takes-sri-lanka-to-the-finals-281229 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323054905/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wctimeline/content/story/281229.html |archive-date=23 March 2014 |access-date=27 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

After the World Cup, in the same year against Pakistan at [[Sharjah Cricket Stadium|Sharjah]], Indian captain [[Mohammed Azharuddin]] was going through a lean patch. Tendulkar and [[Navjot Singh Sidhu]] both made centuries to set a then record partnership for the second wicket. After getting out, Tendulkar found Azharuddin in two minds about whether he should bat.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} Tendulkar convinced Azharuddin to bat and Azharuddin subsequently unleashed 24 runs off one over.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151296.html |title=Wisden – INDIA v PAKISTAN |work=Cricinfo |access-date=27 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621133236/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151296.html |archive-date=21 June 2014 }}</ref> India went on to win that match. It enabled India to post a score in excess of 300 runs for the first time in an ODI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;runsmin1=300;runsval1=runs;team=6;template=results;type=team;view=innings |title=Team records {{pipe}} One-Day Internationals {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo Statsguru {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206162819/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dstart%3Brunsmin1%3D300%3Brunsval1%3Druns%3Bteam%3D6%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dteam%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=6 December 2014 }}</ref>

==== 1998: Australian competition ====
Tendulkar scored 143 (131) runs in Sharjah against the Australian team in the [[1998–99 Coca-Cola Cup|1998 Coca-Cola cup]], including 5 [[Six (cricket)|sixes]] in an innings against [[Shane Warne]], [[Damien Fleming]] and [[Michael Kasprowicz]]. The innings is known as the "Desert Storm" because it was interrupted by a [[sand storm]]. In 2020, a poll from the [[International Cricket Council|ICC]] declared it Tendulkar's best ODI innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-s-desert-storm-voted-his-top-odi-innings-on-birthday/story-cTJtMlEjxy9uWP5SSvBtjM.html |title=Sachin Tendulkar's "Desert Storm" voted his top ODI innings on birthday {{pipe}} Cricket |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=24 April 2020 |access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref>

In early 1998, while playing in an Australian tour of India, Tendulkar scored three consecutive centuries. The focus of the tour was the clash between Tendulkar and [[Spin bowling|spinner]] [[Shane Warne]], both at the peak of their careers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/warne-ing-shane/205171|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Outlook|title=Warne-Ing Shane!Outlook India Magazine|archive-date=25 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025025658/https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/warne-ing-shane/205171|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the lead-up to the series, Tendulkar simulated scenarios in the nets with [[Laxman Sivaramakrishnan]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Off-spinner with leg-breaks is like a multi-lingual: Sachin Tendulkar|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/off-spinner-with-leg-breaks-is-like-a-multi-lingual-sachin-tendulkar/articleshow/63893732.cms|access-date=30 August 2021}}</ref> In their tour opener, Australia faced Mumbai at the [[Brabourne Stadium]] in a three-day first class match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/AUS_IN_IND/AUS_BOM_24-26FEB1998.html |title=Australia in India, 1997-98-Mumbai v Australians-Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai-24,25,26 February 1998 (3-day match) |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031153424/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/AUS_IN_IND/AUS_BOM_24-26FEB1998.html |archive-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref> Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 204 runs as Shane Warne conceded 111 runs in 16 overs and Australia lost the match within three days.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/cricket-articles/When-Sachin-Tendulkar-showed-Shane-Warne-who-is-the-boss/23456 |title=When Sachin Tendulkar showed Shane Warne who is the boss |publisher=CricketCountry.com |date=25 February 2013 |access-date=17 November 2013 |author=Nishad Pai Vaidya |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228172317/http://www.cricketcountry.com/cricket-articles/When-Sachin-Tendulkar-showed-Shane-Warne-who-is-the-boss/23456 |archive-date=28 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ramchand |first=Partab |date=24 February 2001 |title=Tendulkar's duel with Warne symbolised India's superiority |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tendulkar-s-duel-with-warne-symbolised-india-s-superiority-99611 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129173051/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/99611.html |archive-date=29 November 2013 |access-date=17 November 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He also had a role with the ball in the five-match ODI series in India following the Tests, including a five wicket haul in an ODI in [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi|Kochi]]. Set 310 runs to win, Australia were cruising at 203 for 3 in the 31st over when Tendulkar turned the match for India, taking the wickets of [[Michael Bevan]], [[Steve Waugh]], [[Darren Lehmann]], [[Tom Moody]] and [[Damien Martyn]] for 32 runs in 10 overs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/OD_TOURNEYS/PTC/IND_AUS_PTC_ODI1_01APR1998.html |title=ESPNcricinfo Match Report, IND-AUS 1&nbsp;April 1998 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211163538/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/OD_TOURNEYS/PTC/IND_AUS_PTC_ODI1_01APR1998.html |archive-date=11 February 2008 }}</ref> The Test match success was followed by two consecutive centuries in April 1998 in a Triangular cricket [[1998 Coca-Cola Cup|tournament]] in Sharjah—the first in a must-win game to take India to the finals and then again in the finals, both against Australia. These twin knocks were also known as the [[1997–98 Coca-Cola Cup|Desert Storm]] innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/rewind-tendulkars-operation-desert-storm/355624-78.html |title=Sachin's operation Desert Storm |work=IBNLive |date=21 April 2011 |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208214156/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/rewind-tendulkars-operation-desert-storm/355624-78.html |archive-date=8 December 2013 }}</ref> Following the series, Warne ruefully joked that he was having nightmares about his Indian nemesis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricketnetwork.co.uk/main/s119/st62164.htm |title=Down Memory Lane – Shane Warne's nightmare |publisher=Cricketnetwork |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106030217/http://www.cricketnetwork.co.uk/main/s119/st62164.htm |archive-date=6 January 2009 }}</ref>

Tendulkar's contribution in the ICC 1998 quarterfinal at [[Dhaka]] paved the way for India's entry into the semifinals, when he took four Australian wickets after scoring 141 runs in 128 balls.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tendulkar single handedly helped to win India |work=IBNLive |date=30 May 2013 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/champions-trophy-flashback-when-sachin-tendulkar-downed-australia-in/394937-78.html |publisher=IBN Live.in |access-date=18 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227204843/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/champions-trophy-flashback-when-sachin-tendulkar-downed-australia-in/394937-78.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 }}</ref>

==== 1999: Asian Test Championship, Test matches, and the World Cup ====
The inaugural [[Asian Test Championship]] took place in [[1998–99 Asian Test Championship|February and March 1999]], involving India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 December 1998 |title=Asian Test Championship from Feb&nbsp;14 to March&nbsp;17 (24&nbsp;December 1998) |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/asian-test-championship-from-feb-14-to-march-17-24-december-1998-74734 |url-status=live |access-date=30 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111165424/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/74734.html |archive-date=11 November 2012}}</ref> Around 100,000 attended the first four days of the tournament, breaking a 63-year-old record for aggregate Test attendance record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sachin Tendulkar collides with Shoaib Akhtar |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rewind-to-1999-india-v-pakistan-the-run-out-that-sparked-a-riot-483619 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022194822/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/483619.html |archive-date=22 October 2014 |access-date=18 December 2013 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> In the first match, between India and Pakistan at [[Eden Gardens]], Tendulkar was dismissed from the match after colliding with Pakistan bowler [[Shoaib Akhtar]]. The crowd reacted by throwing objects at Akhtar, and the players were taken off the field. The match resumed after Tendulkar and the [[List of International Cricket Council presidents|president of the ICC]] appealed to the crowd; however, further rioting meant that the match was finished in front of a crowd of 200&nbsp;people.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 January 2011 |title=Riot police, fires and a sobbing Vinod Kambli |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/controversies-in-kolkata-riot-police-fires-and-a-sobbing-vinod-kambli-498547 |url-status=live |access-date=30 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131142814/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/current/story/498547.html |archive-date=31 January 2011}}</ref> Tendulkar scored his 19th Test century in the second Test and the match resulted in a draw with Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sri Lanka v India 1998–99 |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153758.html |url-status=live |access-date=30 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208042919/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153758.html |archive-date=8 February 2011}}</ref> India did not progress to the final, which was won by Pakistan, and refused to participate in the [[2001–02 Asian Test Championship]] due to increasing political tensions [[India–Pakistan relations|between India and Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Williamson |first=Martin |date=20 October 2010 |title=The run-out that sparked a riot |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rewind-to-1999-india-v-pakistan-the-run-out-that-sparked-a-riot-483619 |url-status=live |access-date=30 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022194822/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/483619.html |archive-date=22 October 2014 |quote=the second Championship ... was rendered fairly meaningless by the withdrawal of India because of another escalation of political tensions with Pakistan.}}</ref>

In a Test match against Pakistan at [[Chepauk Stadium|Chepauk]] in 1999, the first of a two-Test series, Tendulkar scored 136 runs; India lost the match by 12 runs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/76182/|title=India succumb on home stretch despite Tendulkar's heroics|first=Partab|last=Ramchand|date=1 February 1999|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=30 March 2014}}</ref>

Tendulkar's father, Ramesh Tendulkar, died during the [[1999 Cricket World Cup]]. Tendulkar flew back to India to attend the final rituals of his father, missing the match against [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/98885/|title=Sachin loses father, team loses its wits|agency=Agencies/ENS|date=19 May 1999|location=Leicester/Mumbai|access-date=20 March 2014}}</ref> He returned to the World Cup, scoring a century (140 not out of 101 balls) in his very next match against [[Kenya national cricket team|Kenya]] in Bristol. He dedicated the century to his father.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sachin's Ton in Father's Memory |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/990524/front_pa.htm#head3 |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]] |first=Lokendra Pratap |last=Sahi |date=23 May 1999 |access-date=30 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330150634/http://www.telegraphindia.com/990524/front_pa.htm |archive-date=30 March 2014 }}</ref>

=== Captaincy of national team ===
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 40%; font-size: 90%;"
|+Tendulkar's record as captain
|-
!&nbsp;||Matches||Won||Lost||Drawn||Tied||No result|| Win %
|-
|Test<ref>{{cite news|title=List of Captains |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=1;id=6;type=team |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116015850/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=1%3Bid%3D6%3Btype%3Dteam |archive-date=16 November 2011 }}</ref> ||25||4||9||12||0||–||16%
|-
|ODI<ref>{{cite news|title=List of ODI Captains |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=2;id=6;type=team |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117075310/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=2%3Bid%3D6%3Btype%3Dteam |archive-date=17 November 2011 }}</ref> ||73||23||43||–||2||6||31.50%
|}
Tendulkar's two tenures as captain of the Indian cricket team were not very successful. Tendulkar became captain in 1996, but by 1997 the team was performing poorly. Discussing Tendulkar's first term as captain, [[Mohammad Azharuddin|Azharuddin]] was credited with saying, "He won't win! It's not in the small one's destiny!" ({{langx|hi|"Nahin jeetega! Chote ki naseeb main jeet nahin hai!"|italic=yes}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2000/feb/05arm.htm |title=A tale of two captains |publisher=Rediff |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430211632/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2000/feb/05arm.htm |archive-date=30 April 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=McGregor |first=R.S. |year=1993 |title=Oxford Hindi–English Dictionary |url=https://archive.org/details/oxfordhindiengli00mcgr_0 |url-access=registration |publisher=Oxford University Press, US |isbn=978-0-19-864317-3 |edition= 2004 }}</ref>

Tendulkar, succeeding Azharuddin as captain for his second term, led India on a tour of Australia, where the visitors were beaten 3–0 by the newly crowned world champions.{{When|date=March 2023}}<ref name="AustraliaSeries1999">{{cite news|title=Flat-track bullies bounced out again|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/138911/|author=Pradeep Magazine|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|location=Melbourne|date=20 December 1999|access-date=30 March 2014}}</ref> Tendulkar won the player of the series award,<ref name="AustraliaSeries1999" /> as well as player of the match in one of the games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63866.html |title=2nd Test: Australia v India at Melbourne, Dec 26–30, 1999 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119073926/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63866.html |archive-date=19 November 2010 }}</ref> After another Test series defeat, this time by a 0–2 margin at home against South Africa, Tendulkar resigned, and [[Sourav Ganguly]] took over as captain in 2000.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/146809/|title=South Africa completes sweep with an innings and 71 runs|first=Vedam|last=Jaishankar|date=6 March 2000|access-date=30 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title='I've survived and will survive longer' |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/i-make-mistakes-no-captain-is-perfect-sourav-ganguly/1/218765.html |journal=India Today |first=Sharda |last=Ugra |date=9 December 2000 |access-date=18 December 2013 |quote=Ganguly took over in mid-2000 during a difficult period ... |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219031111/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/i-make-mistakes-no-captain-is-perfect-sourav-ganguly/1/218765.html |archive-date=19 December 2013 }}</ref>

==== South Africa match fixing ====
{{Further|Mohammad Azharuddin|South Africa cricket match fixing}} {{See also|Chandrachud Commission}}
In 2000, members of the South African national team attempted to [[match fixing|fix matches]] during their visit to India. After the incident, Tendulkar and three other senior cricketers worked to ensure that players "whose performance and conduct was dubious were never picked for the Indian squad again".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/opinion/krishna-kumar/story/sachin-tendulkar-match-fixing-centuries-bcci-indian-team-cbi-spot-fixing-scandal-163942-2013-05-22 |title=The feat Sachin never got praise for – Opinion News |publisher=Indiatoday.in |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref>

==== Role in 2007 captaincy change ====
During the Indian team's 2007 tour of England, the desire of [[Rahul Dravid]] to resign from the captaincy became known. Then [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI) [[List of presidents of the Board of Control for Cricket in India|President]] [[Sharad Pawar]] offered the captaincy to Tendulkar, who instead recommended [[Mahendra Singh Dhoni]]. Pawar later revealed this conversation, crediting Tendulkar for suggesting Dhoni, who since achieved much success as captain.<ref name="SuggestedDhoni">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Tendulkar-suggested-Dhoni-s-name-Pawar/Article1-283717.aspx|title=Tendulkar suggested Dhoni's name: Pawar|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |location=India|date=21 March 2008|access-date=18 July 2010|agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912043435/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Chunk-HT-UI-Cricket-TopStories/Tendulkar-suggested-Dhoni-s-name-Pawar/Article1-283717.aspx |archive-date=12 September 2013}}</ref>

=== Continued rise ===
==== 2001–02: Mike Denness incident, Kolkata Test, and breaking Bradman's record ====
During India's 2001 tour of South Africa, in the second Test match, referee [[Mike Denness and Indian cricket team incident|Mike Denness fined four Indian players]] for excessive appealing, and fined the Indian captain [[Sourav Ganguly]] for not controlling his team.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 November 2001 |title=ICC Match Referee confirms disciplinary action for Indian cricketers |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-match-referee-confirms-disciplinary-action-for-indian-cricketers-108120 |access-date=1 June 2008}}</ref> Denness suspended Tendulkar from one match for alleged [[ball tampering]]. Television cameras captured images that suggested Tendulkar may have been involved in cleaning the seam of the cricket ball.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 November 2001 |title=Tendulkar appears before match referee |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tendulkar-appears-before-match-referee-108088 |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625025110/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/108088.html |archive-date=25 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 November 2001 |title=Tendulkar handed suspended ban |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tendulkar-handed-suspended-ban-108107 |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126165955/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/108107.html |archive-date=26 November 2010}}</ref> The incident escalated to include sports journalists accusing Denness of racism,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_in_south_africa/1668275.stm |title=Indian media fury over Tendulkar |work=BBC News |access-date=1 June 2008 |date=21 November 2001 |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219190102/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_in_south_africa/1668275.stm |archive-date=19 December 2008 }}</ref> and led to Denness being barred from entering the venue of the third Test match. The ICC revoked the status of the match as a Test as the teams rejected the appointed referee.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 November 2001 |title=ICC sets out latest position regarding South Africa v India |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-sets-out-latest-position-regarding-south-africa-v-india-108243 |url-status=live |access-date=31 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111165610/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/108243.html |archive-date=11 November 2012}}</ref> The charges against Tendulkar triggered a massive backlash from the Indian public.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_in_south_africa/1666063.stm |title=Indians cry foul |work=BBC News |access-date=1 June 2008 |date=20 November 2001 |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214221523/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_in_south_africa/1666063.stm |archive-date=14 February 2008 }}</ref>

On the final day of the [[Second Test, 2000–01 Border–Gavaskar Trophy|Kolkata Test against Australia in 2001]], Tendulkar took three wickets, including the key wickets of [[Matthew Hayden]] and [[Adam Gilchrist]], who were centurions in the previous Test. His three wickets haul helped India win the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=2nd Test: India v Australia at Kolkata, Mar 11–15, 2001 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=Cricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/63920.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204222853/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/63920.html |archive-date=4 December 2013 }}</ref> In the five-match ODI series that followed, he took his 100th wicket in ODIs, claiming the wicket of then Australian captain [[Steve Waugh]] in the final match at the [[Fatorda Stadium]] in [[Goa]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Of Tendulkar and his Goa milestone |first=Niraj |last=Prabhu |newspaper=[[The Goan]] |page=28 |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=27 March 2013 |url=http://epaper.thegoan.net/185353/The-Goan-on-Saturday/November-16-2013#page/27/2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121011326/http://epaper.thegoan.net/185353/The-Goan-on-Saturday/November-16-2013#page/27/2 |archive-date=21 November 2013 }}</ref>

In the 2002 series in the West Indies, Tendulkar started well, scoring 79 in the first Test. In the second Test at Port of Spain, Sachin Tendulkar scored 117 in the first innings, his 29th Test century in his 93rd Test match, to equal [[Donald Bradman]]'s record of 29 Test hundreds. He was gifted a Ferrari 360 Modena by Fiat through [[Michael Schumacher]] for achieving this feat.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 April 2002 |title=Tendulkar equals Sir Donald Bradman's record at Port of Spain |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tendulkar-equals-sir-donald-bradman-s-record-at-port-of-spain-111261 |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113133421/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/111261.html |archive-date=13 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/specials/west_indies_v_india/1939723.stm |title=Sachin equals The Don |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 April 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021020093730/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/specials/west_indies_v_india/1939723.stm |archive-date=20 October 2002 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.in.msn.com/gallery/twenty-of-tendulkar%E2%80%99s-best-test-hundreds?page=2 |title=Sachin equals Bradman's record – Twenty of Tendulkar's best Test hundreds |publisher=MSN |date=27 April 2012 |access-date=8 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021135317/http://sports.in.msn.com/gallery/twenty-of-tendulkar%E2%80%99s-best-test-hundreds?page=2 |archive-date=21 October 2013 }}</ref>

Then, in an unprecedented sequence, he scored just 0, 0, 8, and 0 in the next four innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1009335.html |title=Swinging 60 |work=Cricinfo |date=7 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508114819/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1009335.html |archive-date=8 May 2016 }}</ref> He returned to form in the last Test scoring 41 and 86, one half century. However, India lost the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=5th Test: West Indies v India at Kingston, May 18–22, 2002 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63988.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621133218/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63988.html |archive-date=21 June 2014 }}</ref> In this period, in the third Test match against England in August 2002, Tendulkar scored his 30th Test century to surpass Bradman's haul, in his 99th Test match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2002/sep/stats.htm |title=A special rediff section celebrating Sachin Tendulkar's 100th Test |work=Rediff.com |access-date=8 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101022236/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2002/sep/stats.htm |archive-date=1 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=Reuters |url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=14082 |title=Sachin outdoes Bradman with 30th Test hundred – Express India |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=23 August 2002 |access-date=8 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021104958/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=14082 |archive-date=21 October 2013 }}</ref>

==== 2003: Cricket World Cup ====
Tendulkar made 673 runs in 11 matches in the [[2003 Cricket World Cup]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Sachin Tendulkar produced 673 runs and 2 wicket in 2003 world cup without net practice, reveals Rahul Dravid |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/sachin-tendulkar-produced-673-runs-in-2003-world-cup-without-net-practice-revea/1021947 |access-date=5 August 2014 |work=Patrika Group |issue=5 August 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140808035351/http://www.patrika.com/news/sachin-tendulkar-produced-673-runs-in-2003-world-cup-without-net-practice-revea/1021947 |archive-date=8 August 2014 }}</ref> helping India reach the final. While Australia won, Tendulkar was given the Man of the Tournament award.<ref name="WorldCup2003">{{cite web |title=Sachin Tendulkar Timeline: 1989 to 2013 |work=IBNLive |date=10 October 2013 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/sachin-tendulkar-timeline-1989-to-2013/427634-78.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227204834/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/sachin-tendulkar-timeline-1989-to-2013/427634-78.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 |access-date=22 December 2013 |publisher=IBN |quote=Makes 673 runs in 11 matches in the ICC World Cup – ... wins him the player of the tournament award}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sachin received the Man of the Tournament award |url=http://www.rediff.com/wc2003/2003/mar/22ten1.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219042308/http://www.rediff.com/wc2003/2003/mar/22ten1.htm |archive-date=19 December 2013 }}</ref>

He continued to score heavily in ODI cricket that year, with two hundreds in a tri-series involving New Zealand and Australia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/27/stories/2003102707302100.htm |title=India tames the Aussies |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |first=Vijay |last=Lokapally |access-date=29 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050930213842/http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/27/stories/2003102707302100.htm |archive-date=30 September 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031116/asp/sports/story_2577782.asp |title=Sachin, Sehwag demolish NZ |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]] |first=Atreyo |last=Mukhopadhyay |date=15 November 2003 |location=Hyderabad |access-date=29 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329215836/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031116/asp/sports/story_2577782.asp |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref> As a part-time bowler, he dismissed an exhausted centurion, Matthew Hayden, in the tri-series final.<ref>{{Cite AV media| author= cricket.com.au | orig-date= 2003 | date= 2015 | via= Youtube|title=From the Vault: Hayden too big, too strong|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0W7AkakdUQ|language=en|access-date=1 January 2023}}</ref>

==== 2003–04: Tour of Australia ====
The drawn series as [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2003–04|India toured Australia in 2003–04]] saw Tendulkar making his mark in the last Test of the series, scoring 241 not out from 436 balls with 33 fours at a strike rate of 55.27 in [[Sydney Cricket Ground|Sydney]], putting India in a virtually unbeatable position. He spent 613 minutes at the crease during the innings. He followed this up with an unbeaten 60 in the second innings of the Test.<ref>{{cite web|title=4th Test: Australia v India at Sydney, Jan 2–6, 2004 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=Cricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/64062.html |publisher=ESPN |access-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205094319/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/64062.html |archive-date=5 December 2013 }}</ref> Prior to this Test match, he had had an unusually horrible run of form, failing in all six innings in the preceding three Tests.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} It was no aberration that 2003 was his worst year in Test cricket, with an average of 17.00 and just one fifty.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batting records {{!}} Test matches {{!}} ESPNcricinfo Statsguru |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+dec+2003;spanmin1=1+jan+2003;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting|access-date=16 September 2020|work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 194 against Pakistan at [[Multan]] in the following series. Indian captain Rahul Dravid declared before Tendulkar reached 200; had he done so it would have been the fourth time he had passed the landmark in Tests.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 March 2004 |title=India high on Sehwag's 309 |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-high-on-sehwag-s-309-140466 |url-status=live |access-date=30 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214002448/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/140466.html |archive-date=14 February 2011}}</ref> Tendulkar said that he was disappointed and that the declaration had taken him by surprise.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 March 2004 |title='I was taken by surprise': Tendulkar |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/i-was-taken-by-surprise-tendulkar-140482 |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115023036/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/140482.html |archive-date=15 November 2011}}</ref> Many former cricketers commented that Dravid's declaration was in bad taste.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2004/mar/30miandad.htm |title='Don't worry, Sachin': Miandad |publisher=Rediff |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618012945/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2004/mar/30miandad.htm |archive-date=18 June 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2004/mar/30alam.htm |title='Declaration in bad taste': Intikhab Alam |publisher=Rediff |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229085501/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2004/mar/30alam.htm |archive-date=29 February 2008 }}</ref> After the match, which India won, Dravid said that the matter had been discussed internally and put to rest.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 2004 |title='The boys can be justifiably proud': Dravid |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-boys-can-be-justifiably-proud-dravid-134068 |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206005839/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/134068.html |archive-date=6 December 2010}}</ref>

A [[tennis elbow]] injury then took its toll on Tendulkar, leaving him out of the side for most of the year, coming back only for the last two Tests when [[Australian cricket team|Australia]] toured India in 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sachin's Tennis Elbow Injury |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin/news/217090-sachin-tendulkar-reveals-his-tired-body-told-him-it-was-time-to-quit |publisher=NDTV |access-date=18 December 2013 |quote=In 2004, Tendulkar was diagnosed with tennis elbow, an injury that prevented him from lifting a cricket bat for almost 4 and half months. |author=NDTVCricket |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123004842/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin/news/217090-sachin-tendulkar-reveals-his-tired-body-told-him-it-was-time-to-quit |archive-date=23 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Paul |date=20 February 2006 |title=Wisden – India v Australia |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/238049.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621133212/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/238049.html |archive-date=21 June 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo |quote=As Australia prepared ..., even the return of Tendulkar, who had been out of cricket for two months with tennis elbow, was overshadowed ...}}</ref> He played a part in India's victory in Mumbai in that series with a fast 55, though Australia took the series 2–1.<ref>{{cite web |author=ESPNcricinfo staff |date=5 November 2004 |title=Damp start to the Mumbai Test |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-2004-05-61430/india-vs-australia-4th-test-64102/match-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531090624/http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/141435.html |archive-date=31 May 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

=== Performance dip ===

==== 2005–06: Dry spell ====
On 10 December 2005 at [[Feroz Shah Kotla]], Tendulkar scored his record-breaking 35th Test century, against the [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lankans]]. After this, Tendulkar endured the longest{{update inline|date=March 2014}} spell of his career without a Test century: 17&nbsp;innings elapsed before he scored 101 against Bangladesh in May 2007.<ref name="Lynch2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/528767.html |title=Tendulkar's tribulations, and the nervous 290s |first=Steven |last=Lynch |work=Cricinfo |date=23 April 2011 |access-date=10 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925152950/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/528767.html |archive-date=25 September 2011 }}</ref> Tendulkar scored his 39th ODI hundred on 6 February 2006 in a match against Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Premachandran |first=Dileep |date=6 February 2006 |title=Tendulkar the Strong |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tendulkar-the-strong-235955 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621133214/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/235955.html |archive-date=21 June 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo |location=Peshawar}}</ref> He followed with a 42 in the second One-Day International against Pakistan on 11 February 2006,<ref>{{cite web |last=Premachandran |first=Dileep |date=11 February 2006 |title=Yuvraj and Sehwag ease India to victory |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-pakistan-2005-06-208839/pakistan-vs-india-2nd-odi-236520/match-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113125537/http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/236567.html |archive-date=13 January 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo |quote=The run-rate climbed ... when Tendulkar, who had eased to a run-a-ball 42, ... |location=Rawalpindi}}</ref> and then a 95 in hostile, seaming conditions on 13 February 2006 in Lahore, which set up an Indian victory.<ref>{{cite web |author=ESPNcricinfo staff |date=13 February 2006 |title='Special' Tendulkar a treat to watch, says Dravid |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/special-tendulkar-a-treat-to-watch-says-dravid-236960 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621133232/http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/236960.html |archive-date=21 June 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> On 19 March 2006, after being dismissed for only one run against [[English cricket team|England]] in the first innings of the third Test in his home ground, [[Wankhede Stadium|Wankhede]], Tendulkar was booed off the ground by a section of the crowd.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4834730.stm |title=Is Sachin mortal? |work=BBC News |access-date=10 September 2011 |date=23 March 2006 |first=Nick |last=Byrant |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228061728/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4834730.stm |archive-date=28 February 2010 }}</ref> Tendulkar ended the three-Test series without a half-century to his credit, and the need for a shoulder operation raised more questions about his longevity.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

Tendulkar's comeback came in the DLF cup in [[Malaysia]] and he was the only Indian batsman to shine. In his comeback match, against West Indies on 14 September 2006, Tendulkar responded to his critics who believed that his career was inexorably sliding with his 40th ODI century.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sensational Sachin returns|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/09/200849141945669414.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref> Though he scored 141 not out, West Indies won the rain-affected match by the [[Duckworth-Lewis method|D/L method]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2nd Match: India v West Indies at Kuala Lumpur, Sep 14, 2006 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvseng/engine/match/256607.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104051511/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvseng/engine/match/256607.html |archive-date=4 November 2013 }}</ref>

==== 2007 Cricket World Cup ====
{{Further| India at the Cricket World Cup#India at the 2007 World Cup}}
During the preparation for the [[2007 Cricket World Cup|2007 World Cup]], Tendulkar's attitude was criticised by Indian coach [[Greg Chappell]]. Chappell reportedly felt that Tendulkar would be more useful down the order, while Tendulkar felt that he would be better off opening the innings, the role he had played for most of his career.<ref name="chappell">{{cite news|title=Should have handled Sachin differently in 2007 World Cup: Chappell|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Should-have-handled-Sachin-differently-in-2007-World-Cup-Chappell/articleshow/7424200.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501005450/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-04/news/28357282_1_greg-chappell-west-indies-middle-order|archive-date=1 May 2013|access-date=25 April 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live|date=4 February 2011}}</ref> Chappell also believed that Tendulkar's repeated failures were hurting the team's chances. In a rare show of emotion, Tendulkar hit out at the comments attributed to Chappell by pointing out that no coach had ever suggested his attitude towards cricket was incorrect. On 7 April 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India issued a notice to Tendulkar asking for an explanation for his comments made to the media.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070405/sports/sports13.html |title=Tendulkar hurt by comments |publisher=Jamaica Gleaner News |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628150039/http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070405/sports/sports13.html |archive-date=28 June 2008 }}</ref> Chappell subsequently resigned as coach but said that this affair had no bearing on his decision and that he and Tendulkar were on good terms.<ref name="chappell" />

At the World Cup in the West Indies, Tendulkar and the Indian cricket team led by Rahul Dravid had a dismal campaign. Tendulkar, who was pushed to bat lower down the order had scores of 7 against [[Bangladesh cricket team|Bangladesh]], 57 not out against [[Bermuda cricket team|Bermuda]] and 0 against [[Sri Lanka cricket team|Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cricket scorecard – Bangladesh vs India, 8th Match, Group B, ICC World Cup, 2007|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/4089/ban-vs-ind-8th-match-group-b-icc-world-cup-2007|access-date=31 August 2021|website=Cricbuzz|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cricket scorecard – Bermuda vs India, 12th Match, Group B, ICC World Cup, 2007|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/4093/ber-vs-ind-12th-match-group-b-icc-world-cup-2007|access-date=31 August 2021|website=Cricbuzz|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cricket scorecard – India vs Sri Lanka, 20th Match, Group B, ICC World Cup, 2007|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/4101/ind-vs-sl-20th-match-group-b-icc-world-cup-2007|access-date=31 August 2021|website=Cricbuzz|language=en}}</ref> As a result, former Australian captain [[Ian Chappell]], brother of Greg, called for Tendulkar to retire in his newspaper column.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6509767.stm |title=Tendulkar faces calls to retire |work=BBC News |access-date=1 June 2008 |date=30 March 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004042516/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6509767.stm |archive-date=4 October 2007 }}</ref>

After the loss against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Tendulkar suffered depression and thought to retire from cricket, but Viv Richards and Ajit Tendulkar stopped him. According to Tendulkar, 23 March 2007, the loss against Bangladesh is one of the worst days of his cricketing career.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 March 2017|title=Sachin Tendulkar: Thought of retirement after 2007 World Cup debacle but Viv Richards convinced me otherwise |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/sachin-tendulkar-thought-of-retirement-after-2007-world-cup-debacle-but-viv-richards-convinced-me-otherwise/articleshow/57787208.cms|access-date=18 November 2021|work=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Return to old form and consistency ===
{{See also|List of players who have scored 10,000 or more runs in Test cricket|List of players who have scored 10,000 or more runs in One Day International cricket}}

==== 2007 ====
In 2007, in a Test series during India's tour of Bangladesh, Tendulkar returned to his opening slot and was chosen as the Man of the Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/bdeshvind/engine/match/282692.html |title=2nd Test: Bangladesh v India at Dhaka, May 25–27, 2007 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223141720/http://www.espncricinfo.com/bdeshvind/engine/match/282692.html |archive-date=23 February 2014 }}</ref> He continued by scoring 99 and 93 in the first two matches of the Future Cup against South Africa. During the second match, he also became the first to score 15,000 runs in ODIs.<ref>{{cite news|title=After Yuvraj breaks in, Sachin seals victory |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/after-yuvraj-breaks-in-sachin-seals-victory/203336/0 |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=29 June 2007 |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329220131/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/after-yuvraj-breaks-in-sachin-seals-victory/203336/0 |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref> He was the leading run scorer and was adjudged the Man of the Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/rsavind/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3258;type=tournament |title=Cricket Records {{pipe}} Future Cup, 2007 {{pipe}} Records {{pipe}} Most runs {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228060245/http://stats.cricinfo.com/rsavind/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3258%3Btype%3Dtournament |archive-date=28 December 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavind/engine/match/293078.html |title=3rd ODI: India v South Africa at Belfast, Jul 1, 2007 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102120108/http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavind/engine/match/293078.html |archive-date=2 January 2013 }}</ref>

[[File:Tendulkar closup.jpg|thumb|right|Tendulkar, upon reaching his 38th Test century against Australia in the 2nd Test at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground|SCG]] in 2008, where he finished [[not out]] on 154]]
On the second day of the Nottingham Test on 28 July 2007, Tendulkar became the third cricketer to complete 11,000 Test runs.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 July 2007 |title=Tendulkar gets to 11,000 Test runs |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tendulkar-gets-to-11-000-test-runs-304149 |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904061939/http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvind/content/current/story/304149.html |archive-date=4 September 2015}}</ref> In the subsequent one-day series against England, Tendulkar was the leading run scorer from India<ref>{{cite news|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/engvind/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=2873;type=series |title=Statistics, NatWest Series India in England, 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314022747/http://stats.cricinfo.com/engvind/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=2873%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=14 March 2008 }}</ref> with an average of 53.42. In the ODI Series against Australia in October 2007 Tendulkar was the leading Indian run scorer with 278 runs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3250;type=series |title=Statistics, Australia in India ODI Series, 2007/08 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220164014/http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3250%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=20 February 2008 }}</ref>

Tendulkar was dismissed five times in 2007 between 90 and 100, including three times at 99, leading some to suggestions that he struggles to cope with nervousness in this phase of his innings.<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 November 2007|title=Tendulkar still nervous in 90s|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/tendulkar-still-nervous-in-90s/story-6IpLTZCw2nEigwvP0IyvhI.html|access-date=31 August 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Tendulkar has got out 27 times in the 90s during his international career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=11;filter=advanced;outs=1;runsmax1=99;runsmin1=90;runsval1=runs;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |title=Statistics / Statsguru / SR Tendulkar / Batting records / Combined Test, ODI and T20I records |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=31 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031122523/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=11%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Bouts%3D1%3Brunsmax1%3D99%3Brunsmin1%3D90%3Brunsval1%3Druns%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref> In a five-ODI series against Pakistan, he was caught by [[Kamran Akmal]] off the bowling of [[Umar Gul]] for 99 in the second match at [[Mohali]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sachin-falls-short-of-his-own-genius/237608/0 |title=Sachin falls short of his own genius |first=G S |last=Vivek |location=Mohali |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=8 November 2007 |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329215902/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sachin-falls-short-of-his-own-genius/237608/0 |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref> and in the fourth match of that series, he got out in the 90s for a second time, scoring 97 before dragging a delivery from Gul on to his stumps.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/sachin-tendulkar-stars-as-india-clinches-series/article1949611.ece |title=Sachin Tendulkar stars as India clinches series |date=16 November 2007 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |first=Nandita |last=Sridhar |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329231559/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/sachin-tendulkar-stars-as-india-clinches-series/article1949611.ece |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref>

==== 2007–08: Tour of Australia ====
{{Further|Indian cricket team in Australia in 2007–08#Controversies|Second Test, 2007–08 Border–Gavaskar Trophy}}
In 2008 India's tour of Australia, at a Sydney Test match, Australian [[Andrew Symonds]] accused Indian [[Harbhajan Singh]] of using racist terminology by calling him a monkey. This matter was dubbed "[[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2007–08#Controversies|Monkeygate]]" by the media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/forget-about-monkeygate-harbhajan-singh-to-aussies/articleshow/67121856.cms |title=Forget about 'Monkeygate': Harbhajan Singh to Aussies {{pipe}} Cricket News – Times of India |publisher=M.timesofindia.com |date=17 December 2018 |access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref> Singh was suspended by the match ICC referee after a hearing. Sachin Tendulkar was standing at the non-striker's end at the moment when Symonds claimed the racist comments were made. In the hearing, Tendulkar said to the ICC match referee [[Mike Procter]], that he could not say what exactly Singh said to Symonds, but in the next hearing, Tendulkar changed his stance and said that Symonds had not said "monkey" but "''Teri Maa Ki...''" ('Your mother's...'). In his autobiography ''[[Playing It My Way]]'', Tendulkar wrote, "''Teri Maa Ki...'', It is an expression we often use in [[Hindi Belt|North India]] to vent our anger and to me it all part of the game".{{Full citation needed|date=March 2023}} The matter became big in the following days and nearly led to the cancellation of this tour.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Sachin Tendulkar claims "Monkeygate" hearing was unfair; slams Adam Gilchrist for lack of sportsmanship|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-sachin-tendulkar-claims-monkeygate-hearing-was-unfair-slams-adam-gilchrist-for-lack-of-sportsmanship-2032688|access-date=26 December 2021|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> The referee suspended Singh for 3 Tests but after appeal and Tendulkar's statement in the hearing the suspension was overturned. Andrew Symonds later said in ''Monkeygate- Ten years on'', a documentary that was based on this matter, "When I began to play for Mumbai Indians, IPL franchise, once Harbhajan Singh came to me and apologised."  Symonds said in the documentary, "We go to a very wealthy man's place for a barbecue, drinks, and dinner one night, and the whole team's there, and he had guests there, and Harbhajan said 'mate, can I speak to you for a minute out in the garden out the front?' He goes, 'look, I've got to say sorry to you for what I did to you in Sydney. I apologise."<ref>Sources
*{{Cite news|last=Morris|first=Tom|date=16 December 2018|title='Broke down, what for?' Harbhajan refutes new Monkeygate claims|work=Herald Sun|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/monkeygate-ten-years-on-harbhajan-sing-refutes-new-monkeygate-allegations/news-story/cca9a2c3e5fcf3cae698eb5d5e0ca3f1|access-date=26 December 2021}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Singh|first=Ujwal|date=22 January 2018 |title=Mike Procter criticises Tendulkar's role in 2008 Monkeygate controversy|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/sachin-tendulkar-monkeygate-harbhajan-singh-andrew-symonds-mike-procter-cricket-1150958-2018-01-21|access-date=26 December 2021|magazine=India Today|language=en}}
*{{cite web|date=7 January 2021|title=12 years of Monkeygate: The IND vs AUS Sydney Test that erupted into a courtroom battle|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/monkeygate-the-scg-test-that-erupted-into-a-courtroom-battle-7134953/|access-date=26 December 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}
*{{cite news|title=Monkeygate Was Lowest Point As Australia Captain, Says Ricky Ponting |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/monkeygate-was-lowest-point-as-australia-captain-says-ricky-ponting-2196626|access-date=26 December 2021|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en}}
*{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India |date=6 November 2014|title=Tendulkar throws light on "monkeygate" scandal|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tendulkar-throws-light-on-monkeygate-scandal/article6568380.ece|access-date=26 December 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The ''[[Herald Sun]]'' stated that Tendulkar is still not "forgiven" by some Aussie players for changing his account on Monkeygate, dubbing Tendulkar an Indian "[[demigod]]".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Conn |first1=Malcolm |title=Former Test captain Ricky Ponting in his new book questions the role of Indian great Sachin Tendulkar in "monkey gate" scandal |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/former-test-captain-ricky-ponting-in-his-new-book-questions-the-role-of-indian-great-sachin-tendulkar-in-monkey-gate-scandal/news-story/3b375820bc4838f4c54b93d4b71dc3c7 |access-date=22 April 2022 |work=Herald Sun |date=17 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/australian-media-digs-out-monkeygate-ghost-88343-2012-01-03 |title=Australian media digs out Monkeygate ghost |magazine=India Today |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref>

In the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2007–08|Border–Gavaskar Trophy, 2007–08]], Tendulkar showed exceptional form, becoming the leading run scorer with "493 runs in four Tests, despite consistently failing in the second innings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cricket Records {{pipe}} Records {{pipe}} Border–Gavaskar Trophy, 2007/08 {{pipe}} Most runs |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3163;type=series |work=[[ESPNcrcinfo]] |access-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302142604/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3163%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=2 March 2014 }}</ref> Tendulkar scored 62 runs in the first innings of the first Test at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground|MCG]] in [[Melbourne]], but could not prevent a heavy 337-run win for Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australia wins the first match |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvind/engine/match/291351.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114172800/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvind/engine/match/291351.html |archive-date=14 November 2013 }}</ref> In the [[Second Test, 2007–08 Border–Gavaskar Trophy|controversial New Years' Test at Sydney]], Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 154, even though India lost the Test. This was his third century at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground|SCG]] and his 38th Test century overall, earning him an average of 326 at the ground at the time of completing the innings.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tendulkar lords over Sydney, cracks 38th century |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tendulkar-lords-over-sydney-cracks-38th-century/257849/0 |first=G S |last=Vivek |location=Sydney |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=4 January 2008 |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329220104/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tendulkar-lords-over-sydney-cracks-38th-century/257849/0 |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Binoy |first1=George |last2=Gopalakrishna |first2=HR |date=4 January 2008 |title=Tendulkar's SCG success and Gilchrist bags No. 400 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tendulkar-s-scg-success-and-gilchrist-bags-no-400-329054 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213144653/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/329054.html |archive-date=13 December 2013 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In the third Test at the [[WACA Ground|WACA cricket ground]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], Tendulkar was instrumental in India's first innings score of 330, scoring a well-compiled 71. India went on to record a historic triumph at the WACA, ending Australia's run of 16 consecutive wins.<ref>{{cite web |last=Premachandran |first=Dileep |date=19 January 2008 |title=Inspired India end Australia's streak |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-australia-2007-08-291320/australia-vs-india-3rd-test-291353/match-report-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115025818/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/332219.html |archive-date=15 January 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In the fourth Test at the [[Adelaide Oval]], which ended in a draw, he scored 153 in the first innings, being involved in a crucial 126-run stand with [[VVS Laxman]] for the fifth wicket to lead India to a score of 282 for 5 from 156 for 4.<ref>{{cite web |last=Premachandran |first=Dileep |date=24 January 2008 |title=Tendulkar ton lights up keen contest |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-australia-2007-08-291320/australia-vs-india-4th-test-291354/match-report-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127085641/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/333085.html |archive-date=27 November 2013 |access-date=29 March 2014}}</ref> He secured the Man of the Match award.<ref>{{cite web |title=3rd ODI: India v South Africa at Belfast, Jul 1, 2007 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-australia-2007-08-291320/australia-vs-india-4th-test-291354/match-report-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127085641/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/333085.html |archive-date=27 November 2013 |access-date=18 December 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

In the One-Day International Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series involving India, Sri Lanka and Australia, Tendulkar became the only batsman to complete 16,000 runs in ODIs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sachin reaches to 16000 runs |work=IBNLive |date=10 October 2013 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/sachin-tendulkar-timeline-1989-to-2013/427634-78.html |publisher=IBN Live |access-date=18 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227204834/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/sachin-tendulkar-timeline-1989-to-2013/427634-78.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 }}</ref> He achieved this feat against Sri Lanka on 5 February 2008 at the [[The Gabba|Gabba]] in [[Brisbane]]. He started the series with scores of 10, 35, 44 and 32.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?agemin1=0;ageval1=age;batting_positionmax1=2;batting_positionmin1=2;batting_positionval1=batting_position;class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;series=3160;team=6;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |title=Batting records {{pipe}} One-Day Internationals {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo Statsguru {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609231132/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?agemin1=0%3Bageval1%3Dage%3Bbatting_positionmax1%3D2%3Bbatting_positionmin1%3D2%3Bbatting_positionval1%3Dbatting_position%3Bclass%3D2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dstart%3Bseries%3D3160%3Bteam%3D6%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=9 June 2015 }}</ref> His form dipped a bit in the middle of the tournament,{{original research inline|date=March 2014}} but Tendulkar came back strongly in India's must-win game against Sri Lanka at the [[Bellerive Oval]] in [[Hobart]], scoring 63 off 54 balls.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/india-hammer-final-nail/277511/ |title=India hammer final nail |first=G.S. |last=Vivek |location=Hobart |date=26 February 2008 |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329215815/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/india-hammer-final-nail/277511/ |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref> He finished the series with a match winning 117 not out off 120 balls in the first final,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/cbs/engine/match/291371.html |title=1st Final: Australia v India at Sydney, 2&nbsp;March 2008 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622153615/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/cbs/engine/match/291371.html |archive-date=22 June 2008 }}</ref> and 91 runs in the second final.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/cbs/engine/current/match/291372.html |title=2nd Final: Australia v India at Brisbane, 4&nbsp;March 2008 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516231841/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/cbs/engine/current/match/291372.html |archive-date=16 May 2008 }}</ref> Both the knocks were nominated to be the ODI Batting Performance of the year by ESPNcricinfo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/awards2008/content/story/383924.html|title=One-day international batting: the nominees|date=2 January 2009|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en|access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>

==== 2008: Return to Tests and breaking Brian Lara's record ====
South Africa toured in [[South African cricket team in India in 2007–08|March and April 2008]] for a three-Test series. Tendulkar scored a five-ball duck in his only innings of the series;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/158/158573.html |title=f50749 t1870 India v South Africa: South Africa in India 2007/08 (1st Test) |website=CricketArchive |access-date=3 April 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719014537/http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/158/158573.html |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> he sustained a groin strain in the match and as a result was forced not only to miss the second and third Tests, but also the tri-series involving Bangladesh, the [[2008 Asia Cup]], and the first half of the inaugural season of the [[Indian Premier League|IPL]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/kitplycup/content/story/352857.html |title=Tendulkar to miss Bangladesh tri-series and Asia Cup |work=Cricinfo |date=29 May 2008 |access-date=3 April 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112011057/http://www.espncricinfo.com/kitplycup/content/story/352857.html |archive-date=12 November 2012 }}</ref>

Before the [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2008|Indian cricket team's tour of Sri Lanka]] in July 2008, Tendulkar needed 177 runs to go past Brian Lara's record of Test 11,953 runs. However, he failed in all six innings, scoring a total of 95 runs. India lost the series and his average of 15.83 was his worst in a Test series with at least three matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=batting_average;orderbyad=reverse;template=results;type=batting;view=series |title=Statistics / Statsguru / SR Tendulkar / Test matches: Series average |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005083659/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=1%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dbatting_average%3Borderbyad%3Dreverse%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dseries |archive-date=5 October 2012 }}</ref>

In the following ODI series against Sri Lanka, Tendulkar was sidelined due to injury.<ref>{{cite web |last=Alter |first=Jamie |date=19 August 2008 |title=India need to fix opening problem |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-need-to-fix-opening-problem-365485 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207025529/http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvind/content/story/365485.html |archive-date=7 February 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo |location=Dambulla}}</ref> However, during the following Australia tour of India, he returned to fitness and form, scoring 13 and 49 in the first Test<ref>{{cite web|title=1st Test: India v Australia at Bangalore, Oct 9–13, 2008 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/engine/match/345669.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313013915/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/engine/match/345669.html |archive-date=13 March 2014 }}</ref> before making 88 in the first innings of the second Test, breaking the record for most Test runs held by Brian Lara. He also reached the 12,000-run mark when he was on 61.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sachin reaches 12000 runs and breaks Lara's Record|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/?utm_source=gocricket&utm_medium=webredirect&utm_campaign=timesinternet&referral=PM|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131221063631/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-17/top-stories/27943427_1_test-cricket-formidable-english-attack-sachin-tendulkar|archive-date=21 December 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=17 October 2008|url-status=live|access-date=21 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=12,000 and counting, but he isn't just about numbers |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/12000-and-counting-but-he-isn-t-just-about-numbers/374784/0 |access-date=29 March 2014 |first=Kunal |last=Pradhan |date=18 October 2008 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329215819/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/12000-and-counting-but-he-isn-t-just-about-numbers/374784/0 |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref> He described the achievement as the biggest in 19 years of his career on the day he achieved the record.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/18/stories/2008101857830100.htm |title=Tendulkar scales another peak |date=18 October 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=18 October 2008 |location=Chennai, India |quote="It is definitely the biggest achievement in 19 years of my career," the 35-year-old said ... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020224212/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/18/stories/2008101857830100.htm |archive-date=20 October 2008 }}</ref> He made a fifty in the third Test<ref>{{cite web |last=Coverdale |first=Brydon |date=29 October 2008 |title=Gambhir century sets India on course |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-2008-09-345666/india-vs-australia-3rd-test-345671/match-report-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122123827/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/story/375773.html |archive-date=22 January 2014 |access-date=29 March 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> and 109 in the fourth, as India won the series 2–0 and regained the Border–Gavaskar Trophy.<ref>{{cite web|title=India reclaim the Border–Gavaskar Trophy |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/story/377631.html |first=Jamie |last=Alter |work=Cricinfo |date=10 November 2008 |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621133420/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/story/377631.html |archive-date=21 June 2014 }}</ref>

==== 2008: England Series  ====
Tendulkar was again out of the first three ODIs of a seven-match ODI series at home against England due to an injury, but he made 11 in the fourth ODI<ref>{{cite web|title=4th ODI: India v England at Bangalore, Nov 23, 2008 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indveng/engine/match/361046.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115005202/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indveng/engine/match/361046.html |archive-date=15 November 2013 }}</ref> and 50 in the fifth,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/indian-juggernaut-rolls-on/article1384093.ece |title=Indian juggernaut rolls on |date=27 November 2008 |first=K.C. Vijaya |last=Kumar |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329221032/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/indian-juggernaut-rolls-on/article1384093.ece |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref> before the series was called off due to the [[2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks]], the scoreline being 5–0 to India.<ref name="MumbaiAttacks2008.1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/oneday-international-series-called-off/article1384767.ece |title=One-Day International series called off |date=28 November 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |first=K.C. Vijaya |last=Kumar |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329231327/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/oneday-international-series-called-off/article1384767.ece |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name="MumbaiAttacks2008.2">{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/england-players-fly-back-home/392176/ |title=England players fly back home |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=29 November 2008 |access-date=29 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329220033/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/england-players-fly-back-home/392176/ |archive-date=29 March 2014 }}</ref>

England returned for a two-match Test series in December 2008, and the first Test, which was originally planned to be held in Mumbai, was shifted to Chennai following the terror attacks.<ref name="MumbaiAttacks2008.1" /><ref name="MumbaiAttacks2008.2" /> Chasing 387 for victory in that match, Tendulkar scored 103 not out and shared a 163-run unbroken fifth wicket partnership with [[Yuvraj Singh]].<ref>{{cite web |last=McGlashan |first=Andrew |date=15 December 2008 |title=Tendulkar century sets up famous win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-2008-09-361035/india-vs-england-1st-test-361050/match-report-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313013700/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indveng/content/story/382035.html |archive-date=13 March 2014 |access-date=21 December 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> This was his third century in the fourth innings of a Test match, and the first which resulted in a win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=1;filter=advanced;innings_number=4;orderby=start;runsmin1=100;runsval1=runs;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |title=Statistics / Statsguru / SR Tendulkar / Test matches |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=30 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206162853/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=1%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Binnings_number%3D4%3Borderby%3Dstart%3Brunsmin1%3D100%3Brunsval1%3Druns%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=6 December 2014 }}</ref> He dedicated this century to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=This century, this win is for victims of terror |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/-this-century-this-win-is-for-victims-of-terror-/398674/0 |first=Sandeep |last=Dwivedi |location=Chennai |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=30 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330141831/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/-this-century-this-win-is-for-victims-of-terror-/398674/0 |archive-date=30 March 2014 }}</ref> The knock was nominated to be one of the Test Batting Performance of the year by ESPNcricinfo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/awards2008/content/story/385010.html|title=Test batting: the nominees|date=2 January 2009|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en|access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref> Tendulkar scored poorly in the second Test at [[Mohali]], which ended in a draw. India won the series 1–0.<ref>{{cite web|title=India v England at Mohali, Dec 19–23, 2008 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indveng/engine/match/361051.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=30 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414223156/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indveng/engine/match/361051.html |archive-date=14 April 2014 }}</ref>

==== 2009–10: Consolidation and ODI record ====
{{See also|List of highest individual scores in One Day International cricket}}

In early 2009, India revisited Sri Lanka for five ODIs, as the Pakistan series had been cancelled due to the security situation in Pakistan and the attacks in Mumbai.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} Tendulkar scored 5, 6 and 7 in the first three matches, being dismissed [[leg before wicket]] in all of them, and did not play in the remaining two matches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistics / Statsguru / SR Tendulkar / One-Day Internationals |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;series=4914;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=30 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613102718/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dstart%3Bseries%3D4914%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=13 June 2015 }}</ref>

India's next assignment was an away series against New Zealand, consisting of three Tests and five ODIs. In the ODI series, Tendulkar made an unbeaten 163 in the third match before stomach cramps forced him to end his innings. India made 392, won the match<ref>{{cite web |last=Veera |first=Sriram |date=8 March 2009 |title=India prevail in battle of batsmen |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-new-zealand-2008-09-366616/new-zealand-vs-india-3rd-odi-366627/match-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622171211/http://www.espncricinfo.com/nzvind2009/content/story/394146.html |archive-date=22 June 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> and eventually won the series 3–1.<ref>{{cite news |title=Auckland ODI: New Zealand win by 8 wickets |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Auckland+ODI:+New+Zealand+win+by+8+wickets/1/32330.html |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |work=[[India Today]] |date=14 March 2009 |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421051156/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Auckland%2BODI%3A%2BNew%2BZealand%2Bwin%2Bby%2B8%2Bwickets/1/32330.html |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref> Tendulkar made 160 in the first Test, his 42nd Test century, and India won.<ref>{{cite web |last=Premachandran |first=Dileep |date=21 March 2009 |title=India end drought with thumping win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-new-zealand-2008-09-366616/new-zealand-vs-india-1st-test-366628/match-report-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412183823/http://www.espncricinfo.com/nzvind2009/content/story/396119.html |archive-date=12 April 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He made 49 and 64 in the second Test<ref>{{cite web|title=2nd Test: New Zealand v India at Napier, Mar 26–30, 2009 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/nzvind2009/engine/match/386496.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211091142/http://www.espncricinfo.com/nzvind2009/engine/match/386496.html |archive-date=11 December 2013 }}</ref> and 62 and 9 in the third, in which play was halted on the last day due to rain with India needing only two wickets to win. India won the series 1–0.<ref>{{cite web|title=3rd Test: New Zealand v India at Wellington, Apr 3–7, 2009 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/nzvind2009/engine/match/366629.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218182302/http://www.espncricinfo.com/nzvind2009/engine/match/366629.html |archive-date=18 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wellington Test ends in a draw, India win series |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Wellington+Test+ends+in+a+draw,+India+win+series/1/35658.html |work=[[India Today]] |date=14 March 2009 |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407194128/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Wellington%2BTest%2Bends%2Bin%2Ba%2Bdraw%2C%2BIndia%2Bwin%2Bseries/1/35658.html |archive-date=7 April 2014 }}</ref>

Tendulkar rested himself for the ODI tour of West Indies,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tendulkar-zaheer-rested-nehra-in-for-carib/477837/ |title=Tendulkar, Zaheer rested; Nehra in for Caribbean tour |location=New Delhi |date=17 June 2009 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421051421/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tendulkar-zaheer-rested-nehra-in-for-carib/477837/ |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref> but was back for the Compaq Cup Tri Series between India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in early September 2009. He made 46<ref>{{cite web|title=2nd Match: India v New Zealand at Colombo (RPS), Sep 11, 2009 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/compaq/engine/match/403382.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313013949/http://www.espncricinfo.com/compaq/engine/match/403382.html |archive-date=13 March 2014 }}</ref> and 27<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/compaq/engine/match/403381.html |title=3rd Match: Sri Lanka v India at Colombo (RPS), Sep 12, 2009 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412193403/http://www.espncricinfo.com/compaq/engine/match/403381.html |archive-date=12 April 2014 }}</ref> in the league matches before notching up 138 in the final, as India made 319 and won by 46 runs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/India+beat+Sri+Lanka+in+Compaq+Cup+final;+Harbhajan+takes+5+after+Tendulkar%27s+138/1/61652.html |title=India beat Sri Lanka in Compaq Cup final; Harbhajan takes 5 after Tendulkar's 138 |work=[[India Today]] |first=AR |last=Hemant |agency=ITGD |location=New Delhi |date=14 September 2009 |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421050800/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/India%2Bbeat%2BSri%2BLanka%2Bin%2BCompaq%2BCup%2Bfinal%3B%2BHarbhajan%2Btakes%2B5%2Bafter%2BTendulkar%27s%2B138/1/61652.html |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref> This was Tendulkar's sixth century in a final of an ODI tournament and his third consecutive score of over 50 in such finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/compaq/content/story/425075.html |title=Tendulkar's final onslaught |first=S |last=Rajesh |work=Cricinfo |date=14 September 2009 |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417002033/http://www.espncricinfo.com/compaq/content/story/425075.html |archive-date=17 April 2014 }}</ref>

Tendulkar played only one innings in the ICC Champions trophy in South Africa, scoring 8 against Pakistan as India lost.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/india-lose-champions-trophy-opener-against-p/521985/ |title=India lose Champions Trophy opener against Pak by 54 runs |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |location=Centurion |date=27 September 2009 |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421050652/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/india-lose-champions-trophy-opener-against-p/521985/ |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref> The next match against Australia was abandoned due to rain<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/india-s-chances-watered-down/522637/ |title=India's chances watered down |first=Sandeep |last=Dwivedi |date=29 September 2009 |location=Centurion |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421051430/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/india-s-chances-watered-down/522637/ |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref> and he was out with a stomach infection in the third match against the West Indies, as India were eliminated.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/india-beats-windies-but-bows-out-of-tournament/article27088.ece |title=India beats Windies, but bows out of tournament |first=S. |last=Dinakar |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=1 October 2009 |access-date=11 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421052109/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/india-beats-windies-but-bows-out-of-tournament/article27088.ece |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref>

Australia returned for a seven-match ODI series in India in October, and Tendulkar made 14, 4, 32 and 40 in the first four games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;series=5282;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |title=Statistics / Statsguru / SR Tendulkar / One-Day Internationals |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613102045/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dstart%3Bseries%3D5282%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=13 June 2015 }}</ref> In the fifth match, with the series tied at 2–2, Australia amassed 350/4 in 50 overs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australia scores 350/4 in the Fifth ODI |work=Cricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2009/engine/match/416240.html |publisher=ESPN |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312175035/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2009/engine/match/416240.html |archive-date=12 March 2014 }}</ref> Tendulkar made his 45th ODI hundred, a 175 off 141 balls. Just when it seemed that he would steer India to the large victory target, he tried to scoop a slower delivery from debutant bowler [[Clint McKay]] over short fine leg only to be caught by [[Nathan Hauritz]], with India needing 19 runs to win with 18 balls and four wickets left. The Indian tail collapsed, and Australia won the match by three runs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Monga |first=Sidharth |date=5 November 2009 |title=Australia survive terrific Tendulkar |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-2009-10-416234/india-vs-australia-5th-odi-416240/match-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313013621/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2009/content/story/433035.html |archive-date=13 March 2014 |access-date=22 December 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref name="2009AustraliaSeries. ODI5">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tendulkars-incandescent-innings-in-vain/article43622.ece |title=Tendulkar's incandescent innings in vain |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |first=K.C. Vijaya |last=Kumar |date=6 November 2009 |access-date=11 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318023837/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tendulkars-incandescent-innings-in-vain/article43622.ece |archive-date=18 March 2014 }}</ref> During this match, Tendulkar also became the first player to reach 17,000 ODI runs,<ref name="2009AustraliaSeries. ODI5" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Sachin becomes the First Player to achieve the 17000 run mark|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-05/top-stories/28068712_1_sachin-tendulkar-17000-run-mark-jacques-kallis|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131222110705/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-05/top-stories/28068712_1_sachin-tendulkar-17000-run-mark-jacques-kallis|archive-date=22 December 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=22 December 2013}}</ref> and achieved his personal best against Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2;filter=advanced;opposition=2;orderby=batted_score;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |title=Statistics / Statsguru / SR Tendulkar / One-Day Internationals |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613110358/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Bopposition%3D2%3Borderby%3Dbatted_score%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=13 June 2015 }}</ref> as well as the third-highest score in a defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=batted_score;result=2;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |title=Statistics / Statsguru / One-Day Internationals / Batting records |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613110732/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dbatted_score%3Bresult%3D2%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=13 June 2015 }}</ref> The knock was voted as the Best ODI Batting Performance of 2009 by ESPNcricinfo.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 February 2010 |title=Hyderabad heartbreaker |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/espncricinfo-awards-2009-odi-batting-winner-sachin-tendulkars-175-vs-australia-448717 |access-date=23 January 2020 |work=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

In the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in 2009–10, Tendulkar scored 69, 43, 96 not out and 8 in the first four matches,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;series=5563;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |title=Statistics / Statsguru / SR Tendulkar / One-Day Internationals |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614215500/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dstart%3Bseries%3D5563%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=14 June 2015 }}</ref> with the fifth match being abandoned as the pitch was deemed unfit and potentially dangerous.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/minefield-of-a-pitch-forces-abandonment/article71240.ece |title=Minefield of a pitch forces abandonment |first=Nandita |last=Sridhar |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 December 2009 |access-date=12 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421081742/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/minefield-of-a-pitch-forces-abandonment/article71240.ece |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref> India won the series 3–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=5th ODI: India v Sri Lanka at Delhi, Dec 27, 2009 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvsl2009/engine/match/430890.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408051216/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvsl2009/engine/match/430890.html |archive-date=8 April 2014 }}</ref> In the Test series that followed, he scored a 100 not out in the first Test, which was drawn, and 40 and 53 in the second and third Tests, respectively, as India clinched innings victories in both the Tests, to win the series 2–0.<ref>{{cite web|title=India vs SL Test Series 2009 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/430870.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804020521/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/430870.html |archive-date=4 August 2011 }}</ref>

Tendulkar rested himself for the ODI tri-series in Bangladesh in 2010, but played in the subsequent Test series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tendulkar-rested-for-bangladesh-triseries/559178/ |title=Tendulkar rested for Bangladesh Tri-series |location=New Delhi |date=25 December 2009 |access-date=12 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421051355/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tendulkar-rested-for-bangladesh-triseries/559178/ |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref> He made 105 not out and 16 in the first Test, and 143 in the second. India won both the Tests.<ref>{{cite web|title=1st Test: Bangladesh v India at Chittagong, Jan 17–21, 2010 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/434256.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207082403/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/434256.html |archive-date=7 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2nd Test: Bangladesh v India at Dhaka, Jan 24–27, 2010 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/434257.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207082345/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/434257.html |archive-date=7 December 2013 }}</ref>

In the [[South African cricket team in India in 2009–10|two-Test Series against South Africa]], Tendulkar made 7 and 100 in the first Test.<ref>{{cite web|title=1st Test: India v South Africa at Nagpur, Feb 6–9, 2010 {{pipe}} Cricket Scorecard {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvrsa2010/engine/match/441825.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218235726/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvrsa2010/engine/match/441825.html |archive-date=18 December 2013 }}</ref> He then scored 106 in the first innings of the second Test, which was his 47th hundred in Test cricket. It was also his fourth hundred in successive Tests, and he was the fourth Indian to achieve this feat.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sachin Tendulkar slams 47th Test century|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/?utm_source=gocricket&utm_medium=webredirect&utm_campaign=timesinternet&referral=PM|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131222110823/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-02-15/top-stories/28136568_1_sachin-tendulkar-virender-sehwag-south-africa|archive-date=22 December 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|agency=[[Times News Network]]|date=15 February 2010|url-status=live|access-date=22 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/131058-highlights-kolkata-test-day-2 |title=Highlights: Kolkata Test, Day 2 |first=Rajesh |last=Kumar |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=13 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610181432/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/131058-highlights-kolkata-test-day-2 |archive-date=10 June 2014 }}</ref> In the second match of the subsequent ODI series, Tendulkar scored 200 not out, becoming the world's first batsman to score a double century in ODI cricket and breaking the previous highest score of 194 jointly held by Pakistan's [[Saeed Anwar]] and Zimbabwe's [[Charles Coventry (Zimbabwean cricketer)|Charles Coventry]].{{refn|group=Note|1=[[Belinda Clark]] of the [[Australian women's cricket team]] was the first cricketer (of any gender) to score 200 or more in an ODI match. She scored 229* in a [[1997 Women's Cricket World Cup]] match against Denmark.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/before-sachin-there-was-belinda-clark/articleshow/5655876.cms|title=Before Sachin, there was Belinda Clark|first=Nitin|last=Naik|agency=[[Times News Network]]|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 March 2010|access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/15697/|title=Aussie skipper scores double ton. News is it's not Steve Waugh|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|first=H|last=Nataranjan|date=17 December 1997|access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="ODI200.1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8534309.stm |title=Sachin Tendulkar fires record 200 against South Africa |date=24 February 2010 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=24 February 2010 |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225030055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8534309.stm |archive-date=25 February 2010 }}</ref><ref name="ODI200.2">{{Cite news |url=http://cricket.rediff.com/report/2010/feb/24/updates-india-south-africa-2nd-odi-gwalior.htm |title=Tendulkar double ton leads India to series win |publisher=Rediff |access-date=24 February 2010 |location=Gwalior |date=24 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227224526/http://cricket.rediff.com/report/2010/feb/24/updates-india-south-africa-2nd-odi-gwalior.htm |archive-date=27 February 2010 }}</ref><ref name="ODI200.3">{{cite web |url=http://www.downthewicket.com/2010/02/sachin-tendulkar-the-god-creates-history-again/ |date=24 February 2010 |title=Sachin Tendulkar "The God" creates History again |publisher=DownTheWicket |access-date=26 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605093803/http://www.downthewicket.com/2010/02/sachin-tendulkar-the-god-creates-history-again/ |archive-date=5 June 2013 }}</ref>}}

{{wide image|Tendulkar goes to 14,000 Test runs.jpg|600px|Tendulkar's shot to reach 14,000 Test runs. He was batting against Australia in October 2010.}}

=== 2011–12: World Cup win and final years ===
[[File:Historic Moment during 2011 Cricket World Cup.jpg|thumb|Historic Moment during winning of [[2011 Cricket World Cup]]]]
{{See also|India at the Cricket World Cup#India at the 2011 World Cup}}
From February to April, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka hosted the [[2011 Cricket World Cup|2011 World Cup]]. Amassing 482&nbsp;runs at an average of 53.55 including two centuries, Tendulkar was India's leading run-scorer for the tournament; only [[Tillakaratne Dilshan]] of Sri Lanka scored more runs in the 2011 tournament,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=4857;type=tournament |title=ICC Cricket World Cup, 2010/11 / Records / Most runs |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902073331/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=4857%3Btype%3Dtournament |archive-date=2 September 2011 }}</ref> and was named in the ICC "Team of the Tournament".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/world-cup-2011/sachin-zaheer-yuvi-in-iccs-world-cup-xi-1572998|title=Sachin, Zaheer, Yuvi in ICC's World Cup XI |website=NDTVSports.com|language=en|access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref> India defeated Sri Lanka in the final.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Andrew |date=2 April 2011 |title=Retroreport – Dhoni and Gambhir lead India to World Cup glory |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-433606/match-report |url-status=live |access-date=3 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404002436/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/509121.html |archive-date=4 April 2011}}</ref> Shortly after the victory, Tendulkar commented that "Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life.&nbsp;... I couldn't control my tears of joy."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 April 2011 |title='I couldn't control my tears of joy' |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/reactions-from-players-immediately-after-india-s-world-cup-win-in-mumbai-509249 |url-status=live |access-date=3 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404145047/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/current/story/509249.html |archive-date=4 April 2011}}</ref>

India were due to tour the West Indies in June, although Tendulkar chose not to participate. He returned to the squad in July for India's [[Indian cricket team in England in 2011|tour of England]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 July 2011 |title=Tendulkar not thinking of 100th hundred |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-in-england-2011-sachin-tendulkar-not-thinking-of-100th-hundred-522860 |url-status=live |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718011356/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/story/522860.html |archive-date=18 July 2011}}</ref> Throughout the tour there was much hype in the media about whether Tendulkar would reach his 100th century in international cricket (Test and ODIs combined). However, his highest score in the Tests was 91; Tendulkar averaged 34.12 in the series as England won 4–0 as they deposed India as the No.&nbsp;1 ranked Test side.<ref name="5 September 2011">{{Cite news |date=5 September 2011 |title=Tendulkar ruled out of series |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/england-v-india-2nd-odi-rose-bowl-tendulkar-ruled-out-of-series-531285 |url-status=live |access-date=10 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015033150/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/story/531285.html |archive-date=15 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Andrew |date=16 August 2011 |title=Swann content with team success |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/england-news-swann-content-with-team-success-527763 |url-status=live |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113175900/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/story/527763.html |archive-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> The injury Tendulkar sustained to his right foot in 2001 flared up and as a result he was ruled out of the ODI series that followed.<ref name="5 September 2011" /> Tendulkar created another record on 8 November 2011 when he became the first cricketer to score 15,000 runs in Test cricket, during the opening Test match against the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/15638424.stm |title=Sachin Tendulkar passes 15,000 Test runs |access-date=8 November 2011 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sachin Tendulkar becomes the first batsman to score 15,000 Test runs |date=8 March 2017 |url=http://www.cricketwizard.com/highest-run-scorers-in-test-cricket-161 |publisher=Cricket Wizard |access-date=17 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317144422/http://www.cricketwizard.com/highest-run-scorers-in-test-cricket-161 |archive-date=17 March 2017 }}</ref> For his performances in 2011, he was named in the World Test XI by the ICC.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 August 2011 |title=England dominate ICC Test team of the year |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-news-england-dominate-icc-test-team-of-the-year-529914 |access-date=23 January 2020 |work=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

[[Ian Chappell]] was not happy with Tendulkar's performance after India's tour of Australia. He says that Tendulkar's quest for his 100th hundred has proved to be a hurdle for the entire team and has hampered their performance on the Tour of Australia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sachin Tendulkar needs to introspect: Ian Chappell |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/ind-aus-2011/news/186344-sachin-tendulkar-needs-to-introspect-ian-chappell |date=3 March 2015 |publisher=NDTV Sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904061939/http://sports.ndtv.com/ind-aus-2011/news/186344-sachin-tendulkar-needs-to-introspect-ian-chappell |archive-date=4 September 2015 |access-date=27 April 2015 }}</ref> Former India World Cup winning captain and all-rounder Kapil Dev has also voiced his opinion that Tendulkar should have retired from ODI's after the World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|title=Let Tendulkar decide when to retire: Former players |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-pakistan-2012/let-sachin-tendulkar-decide-when-to-retire-former-players-1558124|access-date=31 August 2021|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en}}</ref> Former Australian fast bowler, Geoff Lawson, has said that Tendulkar has the right to decide when to quit although he adds that Tendulkar should not delay it for too long.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.internationalreporter.com/News-9541/why-is-sachin-tendulkar-still-playing.html |title=Why is Sachin Tendulkar still playing?&nbsp;... |publisher=International Reporter.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308222313/http://www.internationalreporter.com/News-9541/why-is-sachin-tendulkar-still-playing.html |archive-date=8 March 2012 }}</ref> The selection committee of BCCI expectedly included Tendulkar in the national Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand commencing in August 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/sachin-returns-laxman-retained-in-squad-for-nz-tests/20120810.htm |title=Sachin returns, Laxman retained in squad for NZ Tests |date=10 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813025053/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/sachin-returns-laxman-retained-in-squad-for-nz-tests/20120810.htm |archive-date=13 August 2012 }}</ref>

==== 100th international century ====
On 16 March 2012, Tendulkar accomplished a remarkable feat by scoring his 100th international century in a match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, held at Mirpur.<ref>{{Cite web |title=On This Day: When Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar hit his 100th international ton |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/on-this-day-when-master-blaster-sachin-tendulkar-hit-his-100th-international-ton-7230297/ |url-access=subscription |website=[[The Indian Express]]|date=16 March 2021 }}</ref> This was a pioneering achievement, as he became the first cricketer to ever reach this landmark.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=On this day in 2012: Sachin Tendulkar became first player to score 100 international centuries |url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/on-this-day-in-2012-sachin-tendulkar-became-first-player-to-score-100-international-centuries-10459081.html |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref> This century was not just a momentous occasion for Tendulkar, but it was also his first ODl century against Bangladesh. Despite the widespread media attention and public fascination with this milestone, Tendulkar confessed that it was a challenging time for him, as the constant focus on his 100th hundred became a mentally onerous task.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2022 |title=Sachin Tendulkar finally scores his 100th international century but India lose to Bangladesh in Asia Cup |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-finally-scores-his-100th-international-century-against-bangladesh-in-asia-cup/news-story/3b1a17a1ce523dd0c9107f1b290b4b8d |website=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Jason |date=16 March 2012 |title=Sachin Tendulkar's century of centuries has India celebrating |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/16/sachin-tendulkar-century-of-centuries-india |website=[[The Guardian]] |place=Delhi}}</ref> Despite Tendulkar's illustrious century, India was unable to secure a triumph against Bangladesh, resulting in a defeat by a margin of 5 wickets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2012 |title=RESULT 4th Match (D/N), Mirpur |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-2011-12-524504/bangladesh-vs-india-4th-match-535797/full-scorecard |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

==== Domestic return ====
After being bowled out in three similar instances against New Zealand and hitting a slump in form, Tendulkar returned to the Ranji Trophy to get back some form ahead of the England Series at home,{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} in a match for Mumbai against Railways on 2 November 2012. This was his first Ranji Trophy match since 2009. He scored 137 off 136 balls, with 21 fours and 3 sixes, to take his team to 344 for 4 at stumps on day one.<ref name="cricketnext">{{cite web |url=http://cricketnext.in.com/live/news/ranji-trophy-sehwag-gambhir-fail-sachin-umesh-shine/68838-13.html |title=Ranji Trophy: Sachin roars back to form; Sehwag, Gambhir miss out |publisher=Cricketnext.com |author=Cricketnext Staff |date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105043140/http://cricketnext.in.com/live/news/ranji-trophy-sehwag-gambhir-fail-sachin-umesh-shine/68838-13.html |archive-date=5 November 2012 |access-date=2 November 2012 }}</ref>

However, because of a poor form in the first two Tests in the series against England, and India being humiliated in the second match of that series by 10 wickets on 26 November 2012,<ref>{{cite web |author=David Hopps |date=26 November 2012 |title=England spinners humiliate India |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-2012-13-565792/india-vs-england-2nd-test-565807/match-report-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129113250/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2012/content/story/593212.html |archive-date=29 November 2012 |access-date=30 November 2012 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> some people have started to question his place in the Indian team. A report by ''[[The Hindustan Times]]'' said that Tendulkar had a discussion with the national chief selector [[Sandeep Patil]], in which he said that he would leave it to the selectors to decide on his future as he is not getting any runs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Chunk-HT-UI-IndiaVSEngland2012-TopStories/My-future-is-your-call-Sachin-Tendulkar-tells-selectors/Article1-965244.aspx |title=I'm not getting runs, now it's your call: Sachin to selectors |author=Sanjjeev K Samyal |author2=Firoz Mirza |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=27 November 2012 |access-date=30 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130022147/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Chunk-HT-UI-IndiaVSEngland2012-TopStories/My-future-is-your-call-Sachin-Tendulkar-tells-selectors/Article1-965244.aspx |archive-date=30 November 2012 }}</ref> This speculation, however, was later considered to be false.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-29/top-stories/35434269_1_sachin-tendulkar-tendulkar-residence-mumbai |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126085350/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-29/top-stories/35434269_1_sachin-tendulkar-tendulkar-residence-mumbai |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=Sachin Tendulkar's mind is only on cricket |author=Vinay Nayudu |agency=[[Times News Network]] |date=28 December 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/speculation-over-tendulkars-retirement-downplayed-140618041.html |title=Speculation over Tendulkar's retirement downplayed |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |date=28 November 2012 |access-date=30 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202182831/http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/speculation-over-tendulkars-retirement-downplayed-140618041.html |archive-date=2 December 2012 }}</ref>

Then he decided to play in the knockout stage of the [[2012–13 Ranji Trophy]]. He scored 108 in the quarter-final against [[Baroda cricket team|Baroda]] before being bowled by [[Murtuja Vahora]], where Tendulkar was involved in a 234-run partnership with opener [[Wasim Jaffer]] (150) for the 3rd wicket at [[Wankhede Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/tendulkar--jaffer-hit-hundreds-in-ranji-quarterfinal-151804189.html |title=Tendulkar, Jaffer hit hundreds in Ranji quarterfinal |publisher=[[Yahoo! Cricket]] |date=6 January 2013 |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109012309/http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/tendulkar--jaffer-hit-hundreds-in-ranji-quarterfinal-151804189.html |archive-date=9 January 2013 }}</ref> [[Mumbai cricket team|Mumbai]] eventually piled on 645/9 and won on 1st innings lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-domestic-2012/engine/current/match/574132.html |title=3rd Quarter-final: Mumbai v Baroda at Mumbai, Jan 6–10, 2013 {{pipe}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108232517/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-domestic-2012/engine/current/match/574132.html |archive-date=8 January 2013 }}</ref> In the semi-final against [[Services cricket team|Services]] at Palam A Ground, with [[Mumbai cricket team|Mumbai]] reeling at 23/3, Tendulkar scored 56 from 75 balls and had an 81-run 4th wicket partnership with [[Abhishek Nayar]] (70),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/spunky-services-stretch-mumbai-124625480.html |title=Spunky Services stretch Mumbai |publisher=[[Yahoo! Cricket]] |first=Kunal |last=Diwan |date=16 January 2013 |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119013723/http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/spunky-services-stretch-mumbai-124625480.html |archive-date=19 January 2013 }}</ref> and Mumbai eventually won on 1st innings lead after the match went into the sixth day due to rain delays.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ugra |first=Sharda |date=21 January 2013 |title=Mumbai demolish Services to enter 44th Ranji final |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-2012-13-574010/services-vs-mumbai-2nd-semi-final-574135/match-report-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123232814/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2012/content/story/601604.html |archive-date=23 January 2013 |access-date=14 February 2012 |work=ESPNcricinfo |location=Delhi}}</ref> In the final against [[Saurashtra cricket team|Saurashtra]], he was run out for 22 following a misunderstanding with [[Wasim Jaffer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/unfortunate-that-sachin-got-run-out--jaffer-132739148.html |title=Unfortunate that Sachin got run out: Jaffer |first=Skandan |last=Sampath |publisher=[[Yahoo! Cricket]] |date=27 January 2013 |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130010612/http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/unfortunate-that-sachin-got-run-out--jaffer-132739148.html |archive-date=30 January 2013 }}</ref> Mumbai eventually won the Ranji Trophy 2012–13.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ravindran |first=Siddarth |date=28 January 2013 |title=Mumbai boss their way to No. 40 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-2012-13-574010/mumbai-vs-saurashtra-final-574136/match-report-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129230044/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2012/content/story/602488.html |archive-date=29 January 2013 |access-date=14 February 2012 |work=ESPNcricinfo |location=Mumbai}}</ref>

He also played in the [[Irani Trophy]] for Mumbai, where he scored 140* against Rest of India and helped [[Mumbai cricket team|Mumbai]] to score 409 in reply to Rest of India's 526. This was also his 81st hundred in first-class cricket, equalling [[Sunil Gavaskar]]'s Indian record for most first-class hundreds.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/203221-sachin-tendulkar-equals-sunil-gavaskars-first-class-record |title=Sachin Tendulkar equals Sunil Gavaskar's first-class record |work=[[NDTV]] |first=K Shriniwas |last=Rao |date=8 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904061939/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/203221-sachin-tendulkar-equals-sunil-gavaskars-first-class-record |archive-date=4 September 2015 |access-date=30 October 2013 }}</ref>

==== Retirement ====
[[File:199Sachin.jpg|thumb|Tendulkar fielding in his 199th Test match in [[Eden Gardens]] (he is seen wearing a hat)]]
{{further|topic=200th and final Test match|West Indian cricket team in India in 2013–14}}
After a series of underwhelming performances during the 2012 series against England, Tendulkar announced his departure from One Day International cricket on 23 December 2012. However, he stated that he would continue to be available for representation in the Test format of the sport.<ref name="hindustantimes">{{cite news |date=23 December 2012 |title=Sachin Tendulkar announces {{sic|nolink=y|retirment}} from ODI format |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |agency=Press Trust of India |location=Mumbai |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cricket/CricketNews/Sachin-Tendulkar-announces-retirment-from-ODI-format/Article1-979692.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223191830/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cricket/CricketNews/Sachin-Tendulkar-announces-retirment-from-ODI-format/Article1-979692.aspx |archive-date=23 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 December 2012 |title=Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from ODIs |work=[[India Today]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |location=Mumbai |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sachin-tendulkar-retires-from-odis/1/239109.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223131452/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sachin-tendulkar-retires-from-odis/1/239109.html |archive-date=23 December 2012}}</ref> Upon the announcement of his retirement from One Day International cricket, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his surprise, noting that Tendulkar could have still participated in the upcoming series against Pakistan. Anil Kumble reflected on the difficulty of imagining an Indian ODI team without Tendulkar's name, while [[Javagal Srinath]] acknowledged the transformative impact Tendulkar had on the game, starting from the time he debuted as an opener in New Zealand in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=23 December 2012 |title=Tributes to Tendulkar |url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/sachin-changed-odis-played-srinath/41541 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223161810/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/sachin-changed-odis-played-srinath/41541 |archive-date=23 December 2012 |access-date=23 December 2012 |publisher=[[Wisden India]]}}</ref>

After playing a [[Twenty20 International]] in 2006 against South Africa, he said that he would not play the format again.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sachin is right in not playing international T20: Rajput |url=http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2010/mar/240310-Sachin-Tendulkar-International-T20-Lalchand-Rajput.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125154014/http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2010/mar/240310-Sachin-Tendulkar-International-T20-Lalchand-Rajput.htm |archive-date=25 January 2013 }}</ref> He announced his retirement from the IPL after his team, [[Mumbai Indians]], beat [[Chennai Super Kings]] by 23 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 26 May to win the [[Indian Premier League 2013]].<ref name="IPLRetirement">{{cite news |date=26 May 2013 |title=Tendulkar calls time on IPL career |publisher=Wisden India |url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/tendulkar-calls-time-ipl-career/63929 |access-date=26 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016130919/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/tendulkar-calls-time-ipl-career/63929 |archive-date=16 October 2013}}</ref> He retired from Twenty20 cricket and limited-overs cricket, after playing the [[2013 Champions League Twenty20]] in September–October 2013 in India for Mumbai Indians.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/champions-league-twenty20-2013/news/215238-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-bid-goodbye-twitter-overflows-with-emotion |title=Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid bid goodbye, Twitter overflows with emotion |publisher=[[NDTV]] |access-date=8 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007090528/http://sports.ndtv.com/champions-league-twenty20-2013/news/215238-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-bid-goodbye-twitter-overflows-with-emotion |archive-date=7 October 2013 }}</ref>

On 10 October 2013 Tendulkar announced that he would retire from all cricket after the [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2013–14|two-Test series against West Indies in November]].<ref name="TestRetirement1">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bharat-ratna-sachin-tendulkar/top-stories/sachin-tendulkar-to-retire-after-200th-test/articleshow/23901410.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131011233341/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/sachin-tendulkar-40-not-out--/top-stories/Sachin-Tendulkar-announces-retirement-from-Test-cricket/articleshow/23901410.cms |archive-date=11 October 2013 |title=Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from Test cricket |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |date=10 October 2013 }}</ref><ref name="TestRetirement2">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/24476273 |title=Sachin Tendulkar: India batting legend to retire from all cricket |date=10 October 2013 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=11 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010171830/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/24476273 |archive-date=10 October 2013 }}</ref> At his request, the BCCI arranged that the two matches be played at Kolkata and Mumbai so that the farewell would happen at his home ground.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tendulkar to bid farewell in Mumbai |url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/tendulkar-bid-farewell-mumbai/81270 |publisher=Wisden India |date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017060531/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/tendulkar-bid-farewell-mumbai/81270 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |access-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Will consider Sachin Tendulkar's request to play 200th Test in Mumbai, says BCCI |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin/news/215462-sachin-tendulkars-200th-test-will-be-in-mumbai-says-bcci |access-date=8 November 2013 |publisher=NDTV |date=11 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014003813/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin/news/215462-sachin-tendulkars-200th-test-will-be-in-mumbai-says-bcci |archive-date=14 October 2013 }}</ref> He scored 74 runs in his last Test innings against West Indies, thus failing short by 79 runs to complete 16,000 runs in Test cricket, the next man to bat after him was the future captain [[Virat Kohli]].<ref name="FinalTestMatch">{{cite news |date=15 October 2013 |title=India's next generation thrives after Tendulkar 74 |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-india-2013-14-668845/india-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-676527/match-report-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115145106/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-west-indies-2013-14/content/story/688749.html |archive-date=15 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Episode 1: The Little Master Bids Goodbye (English version)|date=26 November 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BHZhu0v0UA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4BHZhu0v0UA| archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=17 January 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The [[Cricket Association of Bengal]] and the [[Mumbai Cricket Association]] organised events to mark his retirement from the sport.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/mca-honours-sachin-tendulkar/article5339510.ece |title=MCA honours Sachin Tendulkar |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=12 November 2013 |access-date=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114160554/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/mca-honours-sachin-tendulkar/article5339510.ece |archive-date=14 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/9jXoOzDipPRZTHRRa8YEmL/Fans-get-shortchanged-in-build-up-to-Sachin-Tendulkars-las.html |title=Fans get shortchanged in build-up to Sachin Tendulkar's last Test |newspaper=[[Live Mint]] |date=13 November 2013 |access-date=15 November 2013 |author=Narula, Chetan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115021237/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/9jXoOzDipPRZTHRRa8YEmL/Fans-get-shortchanged-in-build-up-to-Sachin-Tendulkars-las.html |archive-date=15 November 2013 }}</ref> Various national and international figures from cricket, politics, Bollywood and other fields spoke about him in a day-long ''Salaam Sachin Conclave'' organised by ''[[India Today]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cricket/12-billion-say-goodbye-to-little-master-20131113-2xh7k.html |title=1.2 billion say goodbye to Little Master |date=14 November 2013 |author=Chadband, Ian |place=Mumbai |newspaper=[[WAtoday]] |access-date=14 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201164743/http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cricket/12-billion-say-goodbye-to-little-master-20131113-2xh7k.html |archive-date=1 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.afaqs.com/media/media_newslets/?id=56969_Salaam+Sachin+India+Today+Conclave+kick-starts+with+Ajit+Tendulkar | title=Salaam Sachin India Today Conclave kick-starts with Ajit Tendulkar | publisher=AFAQS | date=12 November 2013 | access-date=14 November 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201143212/http://www.afaqs.com/media/media_newslets/?id=56969_Salaam+Sachin+India+Today+Conclave+kick-starts+with+Ajit+Tendulkar | archive-date=1 February 2014 }}</ref>

=== Post-retirement ===
In July 2014, he captained the MCC side in the [[Bicentenary Celebration match]] at [[Lord's]].<ref>{{cite web|title=MCC v Rest of the World – 5 July |url=http://www.lords.org/fixtures/fixtures-and-tickets/mcc-v-rest-of-the-world-5-july/ |work=Lord's |date=5 July 2014 |access-date=5 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707031308/http://www.lords.org/fixtures/fixtures-and-tickets/mcc-v-rest-of-the-world-5-july/ |archive-date=7 July 2014 }}</ref>
In December 2014, he was announced ambassador of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 event.<ref>[http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2014/media-releases/83789/tendulkar-announced-as-icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-ambassador "Tendulkar announced as ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Ambassador"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627055609/http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2014/media-releases/83789/tendulkar-announced-as-icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-ambassador |date=27 June 2015 }},"International Cricket Council", 22 December 2014.</ref><ref>[http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/sachin-tendulkar-announced-as-icc-world-cup-2015-ambassador/519288-78.html "Sachin Tendulkar announced as ICC World Cup 2015 ambassador"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226130437/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/sachin-tendulkar-announced-as-icc-world-cup-2015-ambassador/519288-78.html |date=26 February 2015 }},"IbnLive", 22 December 2014.</ref> It is his second term as he has already held the ambassador of the previous ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.<ref>[http://sports.ndtv.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/news/234871-sachin-tendulkar-named-cricket-world-cup-2015-ambassador-for-2nd-time-in-a-row "Sachin Tendulkar Named Cricket World Cup 2015 Ambassador"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102228/http://sports.ndtv.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/news/234871-sachin-tendulkar-named-cricket-world-cup-2015-ambassador-for-2nd-time-in-a-row |date=2 April 2015 }},"NDTV Sports", 23 December 2014.{{pb}}{{Cite news| date= December 2014|title=Sachin Tendulkar Named As 2015 Cricket World Cup Ambassador|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/sachin-tendulkar-named-ambassador-for-2015-international-cricket-council-world-cup/articleshow/45600548.cms|access-date=1 January 2023|website=Economic Times}}</ref> He got the ambassador position of the ICC Cricket world cup in consecutive terms of the cricket world cup (2011 and 2015).

==== Exhibition and charity matches ====
{{Anchor|Charity matches|Exhibition and charity matches}}

Tendulkar organised exhibition cricket matches in partnership with former Aussie cricketer [[Shane Warne]]. [[Cricket All-Stars]] held in US in [[baseball]] stadiums and had retired players, some of them was Sourav Ganguly, [[Shoaib Akhtar]], [[Wasim Akram]].<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=8 November 2015 |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/all%2Dstar%2Dseries%2Dnew%2Dyork%2Dcrowd%2Dgives%2Dthumbs%2Dup%2Dto%2Dmatch%2D1491201?amp%3D1%26akamai%2Drum%3Doff |title=All-Star Series: Shane Warne Hails New York Crowd's "Fantastic" Atmosphere |work=NDTV |access-date=24 April 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20210424152534/https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/all%2Dstar%2Dseries%2Dnew%2Dyork%2Dcrowd%2Dgives%2Dthumbs%2Dup%2Dto%2Dmatch%2D1491201?amp%3D1%26akamai%2Drum%3Doff |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 8 February 2020, he played in the [[Bushfire Cricket Bash]], a charity match organised to raise fund for [[2020 Australian bushfires|Australian bushfire]] victims.<ref>{{Cite news |title=After Sachin Tendulkar and Courtney Walsh, Brian Lara to feature in bushfire relief match |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/brian-lara-bush-fire-relief-match-sachin-tendulkar-courtney-walsh-ricky-ponting-shane-warne-devastating-bishfires-1642020-2020-01-31}}</ref>

He captained the India legends team to victory in the 2020–21 Road Safety World Series and was the leading run scorer for the Indian team in the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saha |first1=Shivam |title=Road Safety World Series: Sachin Tendulkar-led India Legends clinch title after heroic show from Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan |url=https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/road-safety-world-series-sachin-tendulkar-led-india-legends-clinch-title-after-heroic-show-from-yuvraj-singh-yusuf-pathan-2349437.html |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Zee News |date=21 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Road Safety World Series, 2019/20-2020/21 Cricket Team Records & Stats |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13613;type=tournament |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 March 2021}}</ref>

He acted as a coach for the Ponting XI during [[The Big Appeal]]. During the innings break, he batted an over against [[Ellyse Perry]] and [[Annabel Sutherland]] at Perry's request.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/sachin-tendulkar-comes-out-of-retirement-faces-ellyse-perry-bushfire-bash-1644681-2020-02-09|title=Sachin Tendulkar bats for an over against Ellyse Perry in Bushfire charity match|date=9 February 2020|work=India Today|language=en|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Khanna |first1=Akash |title=Bushfire Bash: Sachin Tendulkar "Comes Out Of Retirement" To Face Ellyse Perry In Charity Match. Watch Video |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/bushfire-bash-sachin-tendulkar-comes-out-of-retirement-to-face-ellyse-perry-in-charity-match-watch-v-2177371 |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=NDTV |date=9 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref>