#3 The debut series against the menacing Wasim-Waqar
A 16-year old made his way into the crease on a green track against the rampant Pakistan attack in Karachi. India were reeling and were facing an uphill task to even save the match.
Sachin, who was already dismissed by an inswinging yorker by Waqar was taking guard against the same bowling attack and in front of a hostile crowd who just wanted the Indian team on the mat.
The young man looked on, as Waqar came charging in, banged a ball into the surface and the short ball followed Tendulkar who tried to sway out of the way but was hit on the nose. Navjot Singh Sidhu’s voice in the background can be heard when he speaks about the incident.
“His nose was smashed and there was blood gushing all over the place. However, even during that moment of strife, the young man did not want to leave the field. He said, main khelega, and got up to take guard once again.”
The next few balls was a testament to the mental strength of this frail looking young man, who clipped the full ball to the square leg boundary and then drove a full ball down the track. He remained unbeaten and India managed to save that match.
I could not let my country down and leave the crease,' Sachin says at the time.
This is where legends are born, and the legend of Sachin Tendulkar took roots.
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