A true champion delivers when the chips are down and India's very own Sachin Tendulkar has many times been the only one standing between the team and defeat.
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Late in 2002, against West Indies at Eden Gardens, India found themselves in such a situation. Having conceded a first innings lead of 139, the hosts were reeling at 87/4 on Day 4. It was a dead rubber as India had already won the series 2-0, but they certainly did not want to lose the match. What followed was a masterclass from the little champion.
A 214-run partnership with VVS Laxman saw India being steered out of troubled waters. Sachin was in superb touch as he exploited the gaps in the field to perfection. Runs trickled steadily and the pace increased as the Windies heads began to drop.
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For India, the fear of defeat was slowly lifted as Sachin seemed to be playing like he was on another planet. He eventually fell for 176. The innings lasted 298 balls and had 26 fours. This was his first hundred in Kolkata, after missing out on one in 1998 when he made 79 against Australia. He would score another one against South Africa in 2010.
The match was drawn and India ended the series on a good note. It is not one of Sachin's better remembered centuries, but as always, he was there when the team needed him.