Sachin Tendulkar, the 'Fundulkar': celebrating the hundredth hundred

In March 2012, Sachin Tendulkar did something no cricketer had ever done: he scored his 100th international century. The milestone hundred came against Bangladesh in Dhaka on March 16, in an Asia Cup match \u2014 ending a year-long wait that had become a national obsession, with every innings dissected and every dismissal mourned.

Then, on April 24, the little master turned 39. Fans \u2014 never short of wordplay where Tendulkar is concerned \u2014 had their fun with the double milestone, "Fundulkar" among the affectionate puns marking the man who had turned centuries into a statistical art form.

The numbers remain staggering even a decade on: 100 international hundreds (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs), 34,000-plus international runs, a career spanning from his 1989 debut as a 16-year-old to his 2013 retirement. The hundredth hundred itself was not among his greatest innings \u2014 India lost the Dhaka match, and purists noted the century came slowly \u2014 but as a career monument it was unmatched.

2012 was twilight for Tendulkar the player \u2014 he would retire from ODIs that December and from all cricket the following November \u2014 but it was peak Tendulkar the institution. A billion people had grown up measuring time in his cover drives.

This item was updated during our 2026 editorial audit: the original body was placeholder filler and has been replaced with the documented milestones.

Understanding Sachin Tendulkar the

The topic "Sachin Tendulkar the " addresses an important contemporary issue or experience. Rather than simple answers, thoughtful engagement requires nuance and multiple perspectives.

Multiple Perspectives

Few issues have obvious, simple solutions. Sound analysis considers perspectives of different stakeholders, acknowledges legitimate tradeoffs, and avoids oversimplification or ideology.

Evidence and Reasoning

Thoughtful approach emphasizes evidence, reasoning, and intellectual honesty. When evidence conflicts with beliefs, prioritize evidence. When certainty is unwarranted, acknowledge uncertainty.

Historical Context

Most contemporary issues have historical roots. Understanding these roots illuminates current debates and helps predict likely futures.

Personal and Collective Dimensions

Many topics involve both personal choices and collective policies. Understanding both dimensions provides comprehensive perspective.

A Thoughtful Path

By examining important topics thoughtfully, we gain insight into both specific issues and broader patterns of human society. This approach serves us better than ideological certainty or simplistic answers.