The master batsman completes 21 years

The master batsman completes 21 years (again, 21 years) in Test cricket on November 15 and continues to inspire generations of cricketers with room for improvement on his mind. Most runs, centuries, half-centuries, fours, sixes and what not – Sachin has broken every possible record in international cricket and is still on the prowl.

Arguably the greatest batsman of all time, Tendulkar's resurgence in the year gone by gives me hope that India might get to lay their hands on the World Cup trophy this time again. From 200 runs in ODIs to the ICC awards and most runs and all that, the genius still takes comfort in being the student of the game. His pure love for cricket and his country brings smiles on billions of faces; not to discount the amount of pressure Sachin is on whenever he walks out with that willow.