Sachin Tendulkar: 100 International Centuries Explained
Sachin Tendulkar scored 100 international centuries — 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs — a record that may stand forever. Learn about his debut at 16, his first ODI double century in 2010, and how the 100th century against Bangladesh became the most anticipated innings in cricket history.
Sachin Tendulkar scored 100 international centuries across a 24-year career — 51 in Test cricket and 49 in ODIs. The achievement, completed in March 2012, represents the most prolific run-scoring at the highest level in the game's history and is unlikely to be surpassed given the compression of modern international schedules.
Debut at 16: Pakistan, 1989
Tendulkar debuted for India against Pakistan in Karachi in November 1989 at the age of 16 years and 205 days — the youngest Indian to play Test cricket. He was hit on the nose by a Waqar Younis bouncer in the match but refused to leave the field. The debut signalled his mental strength as much as his technical ability. He scored 15 in his first Test innings.
200 Not Out: The First ODI Double Century
On 24 February 2010 against South Africa at Gwalior, Tendulkar became the first batter in history to score 200 not out in a One Day International. He faced 147 balls and hit 25 fours and 3 sixes as India posted 401/3. The record broke a barrier that had stood since ODIs began in 1971 and was seen as the last frontier of batting. No batter had come close to 200 in an ODI before that day.
First ODI Double Century — Feb 2010
India vs South Africa, Gwalior. Tendulkar: 200* off 147 balls, 25 fours, 3 sixes. India 401/3 (50 overs). South Africa: 248 all out. India won by 153 runs.
The 100th Century: Bangladesh, March 2012
No innings in cricket history was more anticipated than Tendulkar's 100th international century. He was stuck on 99 for more than a year, scoring seven half-centuries and repeatedly falling short. When he finally reached 100 against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup match in Dhaka on 16 March 2012, he wept on the field. The wait had been agonising for fans worldwide.
| Category | Tests | ODIs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centuries | 51 | 49 | 100 |
| Half-centuries | 67 | 96 | 163 |
| Runs | 15921 | 18426 | 34347 |
| Average | 53.78 | 44.83 | — |
Bharat Ratna and Legacy
Tendulkar retired from all cricket in November 2013 at the age of 40. In 2014 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour — the first person to receive it while still active in a sporting career. His 34,347 international runs and 100 centuries are records that are unlikely to be beaten in any realistic projection of cricket's future calendar.
Frequently asked questions
How many international centuries did Sachin Tendulkar score?
Sachin Tendulkar scored 100 international centuries — 51 in Test cricket and 49 in ODIs — the most in cricket history.
Who was the first batter to score 200 in an ODI?
Sachin Tendulkar was the first batter to score 200 in an ODI, scoring 200 not out against South Africa in Gwalior on 24 February 2010.
How old was Tendulkar when he debuted for India?
Sachin Tendulkar was 16 years and 205 days old when he debuted for India against Pakistan in Karachi in November 1989.
What is the Bharat Ratna in cricket context?
The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour. Sachin Tendulkar received it in 2014, becoming the first sportsperson to receive it.