While opening in ODI cricket, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar rarely took strike on the first ball. However, during the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash at the 2003 World Cup, it was Tendulkar who faced the opening delivery.
In the last two decades, multiple theories have emerged as to why Sachin opted to take strike first. While some reports claim Tendulkar wanted to take on the Pakistani fast bowlers, others suggest that he did it to show intent.
Recently, Sachin Tendulkar’s opening partner in that iconic match, Virender Sehwag, narrated why the former took strike first up.
"I was not doing well against the left-arm fast bowlers. I got out on first ball to Chaminda Vaas many times and many times to Nathan Bracken also. When we were playing against Wasim bhai in 2003 World Cup, and last over of innings when we were fielding and I asked Sachin Tendulkar to take strike. I said, 'See, if Wasim bowls first ball, I might get out'. He (Tendulkar) said 'No, No, I am very superstitious, my pandit ji has told me to bat at No.2'. And I said 'You're No.1 batsman in the world and you're talking about Pandit ji… But he said, 'No... I will bat at No. 2; you have to take the strike'," Sehwag said during an interaction on the sidelines of the ILT20.
"So then, we were playing at the Centurion and we had to step up many stairs, so we went in for lunch and then came back requesting Tendulkar. He had put on big earphones, removed one, slapped me on the back and said go and pad yourself; I will not take strike. So, you know I was trying to please Tendulkar to save me from Wasim Akram."
As it turned out, Sachin Tendulkar wreaked havoc on the Pakistani bowlers, slamming 98 off 75 balls to help India chase down the target of 274 in 45.4 overs with six wickets left.
Tendulkar’s knock was studded with 12 fours and 1 six. During the innings, he shared a 53-run opening stand with Sehwag (21 off 14 balls) in just 5.4 overs.
"When we were going down to bat, walking down the stairs, I asked him again to take strike… and he said no. Till the 30-yard circle, I was asking him to take strike and he kept saying no. And then suddenly, I see Sachin walking towards where the wicketkeeper stands and I said 'Wow, it's my lucky day, you know'. He took the strike, first ball he took single and second ball, I had to face Wasim Akram. So, I was lucky enough to survive that but at least I didn't play the first one," explained Sehwag.
(Hindustan Times Inputs)
