17 Years Ago, Sachin Overcame Grief Of His Father's Death To Slam An Epic 100 To Keep India In The 1999 WC

Grief is a strange equalizer but it's how we react, deal with the grief and the personal setback that sets some apart from the others.

AFP

It was the night before India took on Zimbabwe in the league stages of the cricket world cup when a singular phone call would firmly cement Sachin Tendulkar's place as a God. His father Ramesh had passed away in Mumbai. As he rushed back to be with his family early next morning and to say the final goodbye to his father, India lost to Zimbabwe. A lesser man would have taken time off to grieve, recover but that's one thing that Sachin has never been accused of - being a lesser man. Three days later, Sachin not just showed up in India's colours at Bristol, he also hammered an emotional 100 against Kenya to keep India alive in the 1999 World Cup. A legend crossed over to being a God that day.

ICC

What followed will be remembered forever.

India had to beat Kenya to stay alive in the World Cup. Not a taxing opposition, but they had beaten India in 1998.

AFP

At 92/2, Sachin walked out to bat with loads of expectation on his shoulders. He unleashed an attack so fierce, that the Kenyans were running for cover.

With Rahul Dravid for company, the legend added 237 runs for the 3rd wicket as India posted 329/2. Sachin himself slammed 140 not out off 101 balls.

His innings saw 16 fours and 3 sixes, strokes all over the park and a bowling attack that looked lost. India won the game by 94 runs and ensured they were still in the competition.

Reuters

This innings at a time of personal grief is a testament to the man's dedication. He knew the team needed him and decided to put his personal issues aside. It was clear from his batting style that day, the man was playing for his father. When he looked up there were tears in his eyes. By his own admission, every time he scored a ton he looked up to God, but this time he was looking up at daddy dearest.

Well, there can be no doubt that Ramesh Tendulkar was watching from above, and he couldn't have been more proud of his son.