Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in international cricket history, revered across India as the "God of Cricket". Born in Mumbai in 1973, he made his Test debut for India at age 16 against Pakistan in 1989 and retired in November 2013 having scored 15,921 Test runs (200 Tests) and 18,426 ODI runs (463 ODIs), including 100 international centuries — records unlikely to be surpassed. He led India through generations, was a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, and was appointed the youngest-ever nominated Member of the Rajya Sabha (2012). He is the first sportsperson and youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna (2014) — India's highest civilian honour — and a global ambassador for UNICEF. Post-retirement he runs the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy, is co-owner of Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City in the Global Chess League, and mentors India's national teams.