India playing 1000 ODIs is a huge milestone: Sachin Tendulkar

History is awaiting Team India in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. The opening game would see India becoming the very first team to play 1000 ODIs and the Men in Blue would want to make the occasion even more special by registering an emphatic win. The historic encounter will take place at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (February 6).

Meanwhile, India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who represented India in 463 ODIs, has termed the feat as the “huge milestone” for the entire nation alongside the national team. Recalling India’s first ODI appearance in 1974, Tendulkar also lauded former and current players for serving the national team. He also highlighted the importance of fans in this remarkable journey.

The whole country should be proud of Team India’s achievement: Sachin Tendulkar

“India playing the 1000th ODI is a huge milestone. The first ODI was played in 1974, it was only possible because of the past cricketers, current cricketers, the past and current board members. And not to forget the most important people, our Indian cricket team well-wishers, from the past generations and the ones who are today with us,” Tendulkar said.

The legendary batter also wished Team India the very best for the upcoming West Indies series. “I want to say it is an achievement for all of us and the entire nation should be proud of this and hope Indian cricket continues to grow from strength to strength. I wish them all the very best for the coming series and especially for the 1000th ODI,” he added.

Speaking of India’s record in the format so far, the side has accounted for 518 wins, 431 losses, nine ties, and 41 matches ending with no result. The side would definitely want to enhance this record even further.

Meanwhile, the team has a stern task at hands with many first-choice players testing positive for COVID-19. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer and reserve bowler Navdeep Saini contracted the virus and subsequently underwent isolation. Hence, it would be interesting to see how India’s playing XI would look like.