Destiny fulfilled

Grandstand's Glenn Mitchell pays tribute to Sachin Tendulkar's record-breaking efforts.

Fittingly, with the Himalayas visible in the distance, Sachin Tendulkar scaled Test cricket's Everest, eclipsing Brian Lara to become the game's greatest run scorer.

The magical moment came on the first ball after tea on the opening day in Mohali, when on 13, the Little Master ran debutant Peter Siddle to deep third man for 3.

Tendulkar looked twice to the heavens upon setting the new benchmark.

After the day's play he said the first acknowledgment was for the Almighty, while the second was for his dearly-departed father.

It is not the first time that the heavens have been invoked in the life of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

From politicians to rickshaw drivers, Tendulkar is exalted in India as a living god.

His efforts at the crease have acted as a biorhythm for this cricket-mad country of 1.3 billion.

Thankfully for the masses, more often than not, he has delivered.

Hailed as a star from as early as 14 years of age, Tendulkar has garnered fans wherever the game is played.

Sunil Gavaskar stated around 15 years ago that Tendulkar would re-write the record books and he had the capacity to amass 15,000 Test runs and 50 centuries.

Through 19 years of international cricket, his consistency has been remarkable.

It speaks volumes for the mental strength of the man.

In recent times, the entire country has been in countdown mode.

Heading into the recent Sri Lankan series, he required 172 runs to top the table.

On paper it looked a doddle, but it proved far more difficult than that, as his six innings produced a mere 95 runs, hence he entered this series still in need of 77 runs.

Innings of 13 and 49 in the Bangalore Test brought a further delay.

But here in Mohali, he could no longer be denied.

Upon reaching the milestone, the sparse crowd erupted in rapture and the afternoon sky played host to a barrage of fireworks.

They found voice again when he reached 61, for he became the first batsman to procure 12,000 Test runs.

On any other day, the loss of Tendulkar's wicket for 88 would be a cause for dejection and sorrow.

But today, for those at the ground and indeed watching around this vast land, it was not about one match or one innings.

It was about a career.

A career, which to date, has amassed over 28,000 runs and 81 centuries at international level.