1989: The world got its first glimpse of what was to become arguably the greatest cricketing phenomenon of all times. Against Pakistan at Karachi…Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar made his debut. Hit by a bouncer and playing with a bleeding nose, he slammed a fighting half century against an attack comprising Imran, Wasim, Waqar and Qadir, making his baptism by fire.

1991: A year after becoming the youngest player to score a Test hundred, Sachin announced his arrival on the big stage with career defining tons against the mighty Australians during India’s 1991-92 tour Down Under. His exploits, especially the 114-run knock on a green top at Perth got him the attention of none other than Sir Don Bradman himself!

1996: Sets the World Cup ablaze by smashing 523 runs at 87.16. With two centuries and three half-centuries, he ended the tournament as the highest run-getter. After the World Cup, he is appointed the captain of the Indian cricket team.

1998: This year was the maestro’s most successful year with the bat. Having been relieved of captaincy duties, Sachin was once again at his destructive best. He raked up 1894 runs in ODIs at an astonishing average of 65.31 with as many as 9 hundreds! Another personal high for Sachin was getting the better of Shane Warne during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

2003: Another World Cup. And another feather to his cap. World’s highest run-getter in ODIs by then, Sachin outdid himself by scoring 673 runs at an average of 61.18, taking India to within striking distance of the world crown. Even though India lost the finals to Australia, he was named the Man of the Series.

2008: Sachin Tendulkar sits at the pinnacle of glory. He became the highest run-getter in the world in Test matches, besides being the highest centurion (in Tests and ODIs).

Dravid`s cultured 66 was the cornerstone of the Bangalore innings against Rajasthan Royals while Pietersen contributed his mite as well.But from the team point of view, Jesse Ryder, Robin Uthappa and Ross Taylor failed to make early impressions and Pietersen would hope that the trio would come all guns blazing on Monday.

Fortunately, there seems no such worry in the bowling department where Anil Kumble, like Dravid, proved that Twenty20 is not necessarily a youngster`s game and experience has no alternative.Kumble`s five-for against the Rajasthan Royals proved that the seasoned leggie may have retired from international cricket but he is still good enough to make life difficult for any batsman.

2010 : Sachin becomes the first cricketer in history of one-day international cricket to hit a double ton. Sachin smashed 200* against South Africa at Hyderabad.

2011 : Sachin realized his long-time dream of winning the coveted World Cup trophy after India beat Sri Lanka in the final of the tournament in his home town Mumbai.

100th ton: In Asia Cup in 2012, Sachin finally scored his 100th international century against Bangladesh. Sadly, Bangladesh won the match and even they were a part of history in the making.

Retirement from ODIs: In the same year in December, Tendulkar surprised everyone with his sudden decision to retire from One Day Internationals after representing the country in 463 matches. He finished with 18426 runs, 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries.