Sachin Tendulkar picks 1999-2000 Ranji Trophy semi-final as the most memorable match

Sachin Tendulkar, popularly known as the Master Blaster, is an inspirational figure among the sporting fraternity, leave alone just cricket. He scaled the heights in the sport and kept smashing one record after the other. While oppositions were fearful of him on the field, there was immense respect for the mega talent off the field.

Recently, the enigmatic personality was seen along with other Mumbai Ranji team skippers at a felicitation ceremony, organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The event was held on the eve of Mumbai’s 500th Ranji Trophy match against Baroda starting on Thursday. During the event, Tendulkar remarked about his favourite contest in his domestic career.

“I will say it was the 1999-2000 semi-final against Tamil Nadu” he said. He also shared some light moments from the game, he scored a double-hundred. “I started to stand outside the crease and Hemang Badani will tell the bowler from point in Tamil that I was standing outside. I then went back into the crease when the bowler started his run-up. After the match I told Badani that I understand Tamil.” Sachin added.

He also mentioned about the benefits, he and other cricketers reaped out of the tournament. “The Mumbai (Bombay) Ranji team has nurtured some of the finest cricketers in the country. Many of us have learnt a lot by being a part of the Ranji tournaments getting the opportunity to play with and against the best cricketers in the country,” Sachin quoted.

A tough competitor

Mumbai have won the prestigious domestic tournament as many as 41 times, the most by any team in the history of the tournament. Quite expectantly, they are yet again the favourites to win this edition of the tournament. For the time being, the Aditya Tare-led team Mumbai team get themselves geared for the historic contest against Baroda at the Wankhede Stadium.