Author: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar with Boria Majumdar Genre: Autobiography / Sports Memoir Theme: Perseverance, excellence, humility, discipli...
Author: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar with Boria Majumdar
Genre: Autobiography / Sports Memoir
Theme: Perseverance, excellence, humility, discipline, sacrifice, patriotism, and love for the game.
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🔹 INTRODUCTION
"Playing It My Way" is the official autobiography of India’s greatest cricketing icon — Sachin Tendulkar, popularly known as the Master Blaster. The book is not just a cricket story; it’s the story of a boy from a middle-class family in Mumbai who became one of the greatest sports legends in the world. Co-written with sports historian Boria Majumdar, the book dives into every aspect of Sachin's life — from his childhood dreams and teenage struggles to global triumphs and emotional retirement.
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🧒 1. CHILDHOOD, FAMILY & EARLY PASSION FOR CRICKET
A. Humble Beginnings in Mumbai:
Born on April 24, 1973, to a middle-class Maharashtrian family.
His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, was a respected Marathi novelist and professor.
His mother, Rajni, worked in the insurance industry.
Named after his father’s favorite music composer, Sachin Dev Burman.
B. Naughty Kid with Big Dreams:
Was a hyperactive child, known for mischief more than academics.
Idolized cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and dreamt of representing India.
Introduced to cricket by his elder brother Ajit Tendulkar, who became his early mentor.
C. Coach Ramakant Achrekar’s Influence:
Joined Sharadashram Vidyamandir School to train under the legendary coach.
Practiced tirelessly at Shivaji Park, often with a coin reward for not getting out.
Developed an iron discipline and mental toughness under Achrekar Sir's watchful eyes.
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🏏 2. RISE THROUGH SCHOOL AND DOMESTIC CRICKET
A. Record-breaking School Days:
Alongside Vinod Kambli, Sachin scored an unbelievable 664-run partnership in 1988.
Became a sensation in Mumbai school cricket, with multiple 200+ scores.
B. Debut in Domestic Cricket:
Made his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai at age 15 in 1988.
Scored an unbeaten century in his debut match.
Soon followed by Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy exploits.
C. First Brushes with Adulthood:
Faced and played alongside legends like Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Ravi Shastri.
Rapidly recognized as a once-in-a-generation prodigy.
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🌍 3. ENTRY INTO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET
A. Test Debut at Age 16:
Debuted in 1989 vs Pakistan in Karachi.
Faced legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan.
Hit in the nose by a bouncer from Waqar but refused to retire — gaining early respect.
B. Lessons from the Toughest Bowlers:
Faced the world's best bowlers at a young age: Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Allan Donald, Shane Warne.
Learned to adapt and evolve his game on the go.
C. First Test Century:
Scored his maiden Test century at Old Trafford (England, 1990) at age 17.
Marked the beginning of a long career of hundreds and heroics.
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🏆 4. MASTER BLASTER YEARS: GLORY, BURDEN & LEGEND
A. The 1990s: Rise to Global Stardom
Became India’s most dependable batsman during a time of inconsistent team performance.
Highlights:
Back-to-back centuries in Australia (Sydney, Perth – 1991–92).
Heroic 136 vs Pakistan in Chennai (1999).
Iconic 1998 series vs Australia (destruction of Shane Warne).
B. Role in India’s Cricket Culture Shift:
Brought a sense of hope and unity to Indian cricket fans.
Carried the expectations of a billion people, especially during the 90s.
C. 1996 World Cup and Commercial Stardom:
Emerged as the highest scorer.
Became the face of Indian cricket marketing, signing huge brand deals.
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💔 5. PERSONAL LOSS, TEAM STRUGGLES, AND COMEBACKS
A. 1999 World Cup: Emotional Rollercoaster
Returned from his father’s funeral to score a century vs Kenya.
One of the most emotionally moving chapters of his life.
B. Match-fixing Scandal (2000):
Cricket world shaken.
Sachin maintained a clean image, unaffected by controversies.
Took over captaincy but found it a draining responsibility.
C. Injuries and Setbacks:
Suffered from tennis elbow, toe issues, and back pain.
Missed crucial matches; doubters questioned his form.
Always bounced back with grit and focus.
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🇮🇳 6. CAPTAINCY: BURDEN AND LEARNING
A. Mixed Results as Captain:
First stint (1996–1997): Faced heavy losses, lack of team unity.
Second stint (1999–2000): Better but still disappointing.
Tendulkar’s leadership style was more by example, not aggressive.
B. Decision to Step Down:
Realized captaincy was taking a toll on his batting.
Handed over leadership to Sourav Ganguly.
Focused fully on performance and mentorship.
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🏟️ 7. THE GOLDEN PHASE (2001–2011)
A. Dominating Records:
Continued piling centuries across the world.
Double centuries, fastest fifties, milestone after milestone.
Played with Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Sehwag – the Fab 5 era.
B. 2003 World Cup:
India's best player, scoring 673 runs in the tournament.
Heartbreak in the final against Australia, but won global acclaim.
C. 2007–08: Revival Years:
After a dip in form, came back stronger.
Scored the historic 200 vs South Africa* in 2010 — first-ever ODI double century.
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🏆 8. THE DREAM FULFILLED: WORLD CUP 2011
A. The Ultimate Goal:
Chased the dream of winning the World Cup for over 20 years.
Teammates, especially Yuvraj and Dhoni, were determined to win it for Sachin.
B. The Victory:
India won the 2011 World Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
Tendulkar carried on shoulders around the Wankhede Stadium.
Called it "the proudest moment of his life".
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🙏 9. RETIREMENT AND LIFE AFTER CRICKET
A. Final Test at Wankhede:
Played his 200th Test match in November 2013.
Delivered an emotional farewell speech.
Left millions in tears.
B. Bharat Ratna & Legacy:
Became the first sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Continued his role as mentor, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha MP.
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🎯 10. LIFE LESSONS FROM SACHIN TENDULKAR
A. Discipline Above All:
No late nights, no alcohol, no distractions — all focused on cricket.
B. Humility Despite Stardom:
Never lost touch with his roots or his humility.
C. Handling Pressure:
Taught the world how to carry a billion hopes with grace.
D. Family Support:
Sachin’s success is also a story of his wife Anjali, children, and elder brother Ajit.
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📽️ 11. CULTURAL IMPACT & GLOBAL ICON STATUS
A. The Brand Tendulkar:
Endorsed everything from MRF to Pepsi, Adidas to BMW.
Yet always maintained his clean, ethical image.
B. Fan Devotion:
Considered a demigod in India.
Fans fasted, prayed, and cried over his centuries and injuries.
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📚 12. WRITING STYLE AND BOOK INSIGHTS
A. Honest Voice:
Book is written in Sachin’s own voice — simple, direct, emotional.
Candid about his failures, injuries, fears, and regrets.
B. Contributions from Boria Majumdar:
Helps contextualize historical moments.
Adds research, depth, and background to major matches and controversies.
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🧾 CONCLUSION: THE MAN BEYOND THE RECORDS
“Playing It My Way” reveals the man behind the bat — a boy who became a symbol of hope and pride for India. It’s not just a sports memoir but a national story of aspiration, pain, hard work, and achievement.
He scored 100 international centuries.
He played 200 Test matches.
He won the World Cup.
He became Bharat Ratna.
But more importantly, he won the hearts of millions.
📌 Final Words:
> "If cricket i
s a religion in India, then Sachin is the God."
This book shows us why. Not because of what he achieved, but how he achieved it — with grace, dignity, and dedication.
A must-read not only for cricket fans but for anyone chasing a dream.
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