Sachin Tendulkar’s Nervous Nineties: A Tale of Consistency and Near-Misses
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time. However, despite his numerous records and accolades, one statistic that stands out is his frequent dismissals in the nervous nineties. Tendulkar was dismissed 28 times in the nineties across all formats, more than any other player in international cricket.
In Tests, Tendulkar’s 10 dismissals in the nineties highlight his remarkable consistency and ability to score big runs. His technical prowess and ability to handle pressure were often on display, but the nervous nineties proved to be an elusive hurdle on a few occasions. Some of his most memorable near-misses include his dismissals on 98 against Pakistan in 1999 and 99 against Australia in 2004.
In ODIs, Tendulkar was dismissed 18 times in the nineties, a record that speaks volumes about his longevity and ability to score quick runs. He often came agonizingly close to match-defining centuries, but fell just short on several occasions. Despite these near-misses, Tendulkar’s record 49 ODI centuries is a testament to his ability to overcome disappointments and consistently deliver match-winning performances.
While Tendulkar’s frequent dismissals in the nineties may be seen as a minor blemish on his otherwise illustrious career, they also serve as a reminder of the fine margins that sometimes define greatness. Despite coming agonizingly close to a century numerous times, Tendulkar’s consistency and ability to score big runs remain unmatched.
