Sachin Tendulkar turns 52; His three best knocks for MI

Let’s remember Sachin Tendulkar’s top three innings for Mumbai Indians as he turns 52.

Sachin Tendulkar, one of the most iconic cricketers, played a crucial role in shaping the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise during the early years of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was not just a player but the face of the team from its inception in 2008 until his retirement in 2013.

As the cricket legend celebrates his 52nd birthday, fans across the globe are once again reminded of the maestro’s genius that transcended generations. For most cricket fans, he’s more than just a player—he’s a memory, a feeling, and a big part of why we fell in love with the game in the first place. While his records in international cricket are legendary, his time with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL holds a special place too.

Even in the shortest format of the game, Sachin brought his trademark elegance and cricketing intelligence, proving that timing and class can still shine in a world of power hitters.

Leadership and Captaincy
Tendulkar captained the Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2011. During his time as skipper, he brought a sense of stability and direction to the team. Under his leadership, MI reached their first IPL final in 2010, where they finished as runners-up. Though he didn’t win the tournament as a captain, his influence was instrumental in laying a strong foundation for the team’s future success.

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Batting Performance
Over the course of his IPL career, Sachin played 78 matches for Mumbai Indians. He scored a total of 2334 runs at an average of 34.84 and a strike rate of 119.82. His stats include one century and 13 half-centuries. Despite not being known as a typical T20 player, Sachin adapted his game effectively to suit the shorter format, often anchoring the innings with consistency and class.

Sachin Tendulkar’s three Best Innings for MI
As we celebrate Sachin Tendulkar’s 52nd birthday, let’s take a trip down memory lane and look back at three of his best innings in MI colors.

1. 100* vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011)
In what would remain his only T20 century, Tendulkar lit up the Wankhede Stadium with a masterclass against the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Opening the innings, he crafted a flawless unbeaten 100 off 66 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and 3 sixes. What made this knock truly memorable was not just the milestone, but the way he paced the innings—anchoring early, accelerating late, and ensuring MI posted a competitive total. Though MI didn’t win that game, Tendulkar’s knock stood tall as a testament to his adaptability in the shortest format.

2. 89* vs Rajasthan Royals (2010)
On April 11, 2010, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Sachin Tendulkar delivered a masterful innings, scoring an unbeaten 89 runs off 59 balls against Rajasthan Royals. His knock propelled Mumbai Indians to a total of 174/5 in 20 overs. Tendulkar’s innings featured 10 boundaries and 2 sixes, showcasing his trademark technique and composure under pressure. He anchored the innings after early wickets, forming crucial partnerships with JP Duminy and Kieron Pollard to stabilize and accelerate the scoring. His performance not only led Mumbai to a 37-run victory but also secured their position in the semi-finals.

3. 74 vs Chennai Super Kings (2010)
Sachin Tendulkar scored a fluent 74 off 44 balls against Chennai Super Kings on May 6, 2012, during IPL 2012. His innings included 11 boundaries and a six, with a strike rate of 168.18. Coming in early after the first wicket, he stitched a crucial 126-run partnership with Rohit Sharma. Tendulkar’s knock set a solid foundation for Mumbai Indians’ chase of 174. He was dismissed while trying to accelerate, leaving the game in a tense situation. Despite a late collapse, MI went on to win the match in dramatic fashion, thanks to Dwayne Smith’s heroics at the end.

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