When Sachin Tendulkar talks, people listen. The iconic cricketer has generously lent his voice and money in the fight against COVID-19. And he\u2019s not the only sports star pitching in to do his bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The late 1980s was a challenging period for India, and the nation desperately needed hope and respite. They needed a savior. And, some would say, they got one. In 1989 Sachin Tendulkar, the most unlikely of heroes, emerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The then 16-year-old cricket player made his\u00a0debut in international cricket<\/a>. His contagious charisma and incredible talent won over the hearts of millions, effectively bringing together an entire nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mesmerised by the way he swung his bat as a flyer, thrashing speeding attacks and crushing former records, the people finally found their escape from real life. Kids idolised him and parents wished they had raised him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even fellow\u00a0cricketers<\/a>, opponents and home team alike, praised his name. Famous batsman Brian Lara once said, \u201cTendulkar is to cricket what Michael Jordan is to basketball and Muhammad Ali is to boxing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australian cricketer Mark Waugh admitted that when playing against him, \u201cyou almost want to see him get a few runs, just to see him bat\u201d. Perhaps the highest praise though came from Australia\u2019s Matthew Hayden, during a tour in 1998: \u201cI have seen God. He bats at No. 4 for India in tests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And today, while Sachin is no longer batting professionally after retiring in 2013, the \u2018God of cricket\u2019 has yet again risen \u2013 this time as\u00a0a hero<\/a>\u00a0for the sick and hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n