Sachin at World Cup 1992 – Start of an era
From being a ball boy to becoming 2nd highest run-getter for India, Sachin Tendulkar completed the unbelievable journey in just two World Cups. The wonderkid served as a ball boy in the 1987 World Cup and then was a part of the Indian team which participated in the 1992 World Cup which was held in Australia and New Zealand.
The Indian team toured Australia prior to the World Cup. Sachin and other Indian cricketers selected for the mega tournament decided to stay back in the country and get acclimatized to the conditions. Sachin shared the room with his childhood buddy Vinod Kambli and the duo started preparing for the upcoming matches.
“I was feeling quite good about my own form,” Sachin told ICC. “Having scored a couple of hundreds over there (in the Tests), it had taken my confidence to a new level and I was looking forward to a major tournament like the World Cup.”
Against England at Perth, Sachin batted at number four in his debut World Cup game. He scored 35 from 44 balls while India conceded a 10-run defeat. He did not get to bat against Sri Lanka while the youngster fell for 11 versus Australia at Brisbane. Sachin’s most memorable knock was versus Pakistan at Sydney where India began their glorious winning streak. He contributed with unbeaten 54 and a wicket of Aamer Sohail.
Sachin Tendulkar at 1992 World Cup
Sachin followed it up with two 80s versus Zimbabwe (81) and New Zealand (84). India lost to South Africa in the last group game and was knocked out from the competition. In total, Sachin featured in eight matches and scored 283 runs which included three half-centuries. He also won two Man of the Match Awards.
1992 World Cup was Sachin’s first. He left his mark on the competition with his fifties and promised to deliver much more by the time next World Cup would arrive. Personally, it was a wonderful experience for Sachin. Summing up, he said, “There was vibrant energy and you felt that wherever you went. Good performances were appreciated by everyone and were acknowledged by all. It was overall a terrific experience.”
