Tendulkar’s first Test century was: uk August 14, 1990, Old Trafford, ManchesterHe scored an unbeaten 119 runs, which helped India secure a draw.
Tendulkar was just 17 at the time, but his innings displayed remarkable maturity and skill, earning him widespread acclaim as a rising star in world cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar used to host TV shows back then and there are videos praising the legend on the internet. Tendulkar I got 100 points on my first test.
Talking about the 100, Gavaskar, with Tendulkar sitting next to him, says in the video, “In some crucial situations, the best of men come out and the best of men come out. Old Trafford 1990 was one such situation for Indian cricket and that’s when Sachin Tendulkar came to the fore. And remember, he wasn’t even a man then, he was just 17.”
The video then shows Tendulkar being awarded the Man of the Match award for his outstanding innings at Old Trafford in Manchester.
“There were a few really memorable performances in the match, but the most memorable one was Sachin Tendulkar’s maiden Test century. That was the day a 17-year-old boy became a man,” Gavaskar continued.
Tendulkar also recalled his maiden Test hundred with great fondness, which was a pivotal moment in his career.
Tendulkar has described the experience in interviews and in his autobiography, Playing My Way, as transformational, especially because it came at a young age and under pressure.
Tendulkar recalled feeling the weight of expectation and responsibility to save India from defeat. The team was in a difficult position and his unbeaten 119 helped India to a draw.
Tendulkar often stressed the mental toughness required during that innings. Facing a powerful England bowling attack, he had to be intensely focused and block out distractions. He cited it as one of the first moments when he realised he could play long innings and compete at the highest level.
Tendulkar felt that this century was special not only because it was his first century but also because it established him as a key player for India. He said that the batting cemented his place in the team and laid the foundation for his legendary career.
