Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to former teammate Gursharan Singh, recalling a remarkable act of selflessness during the 1989-90 Irani Cup match at the Wankhede Stadium that helped him complete his century and earn selection for the Indian team. Speaking at an event, Tendulkar recounted how Gursharan, despite suffering a broken hand, walked out to bat at No. 10 when the Rest of India were reeling at 209 for 9 while chasing Delhi’s mammoth 553-run target.

With Tendulkar stranded in the 90s and the innings collapsing, selection committee chairman Raj Singh Dungarpur reportedly asked the injured Gursharan Singh to pad up and support the young batsman. The former India, Delhi, and Punjab player obliged without hesitation. The pair added a crucial 36 runs for the last wicket, enabling Tendulkar to reach his fighting 103—the only century in the Rest of India’s eventual total of 245. Delhi won the match by 309 runs, but Tendulkar’s knock secured his place on the upcoming tour of Pakistan.

Tendulkar described Gursharan’s gesture as the embodiment of team spirit and Indian cricketing DNA. “Promises are meant to be kept but also meant to be delivered,” he said, visibly moved. “Just stepping out with a broken hand was significant. Whether I scored a hundred or not was secondary. His intent and attitude mattered most to me, and that truly touched my heart.” Tendulkar revealed he had thanked Gursharan profusely both on the field and in the dressing room immediately after the innings.

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The incident from October 1989 proved to be a turning point for both players. Tendulkar’s century in that high-pressure trial match earned him his Test debut the following month at the age of 16, launching one of cricket’s greatest careers. Gursharan Singh, who had already represented India in one Test and one ODI, was later rewarded with further national call-ups. The 1989-90 Irani Cup remains etched in memory as one of the most one-sided contests in the tournament’s history, yet it produced a moment of rare camaraderie that Tendulkar still cherishes 36 years later.

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