Sachin Tendulkar's 100th century

Sachin Tendulkar's 100th century against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2012

The historic milestone of a century of centuries was reached at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the ODI as Tendulkar took a single by clipping Shakib al Hassan to square leg, triggering celebrations not only in his city Mumbai, but also across India and other parts of the cricket world left mesmerised by the stylish batsman all these years with his picture-perfect straight drives, power-packed hoikes over the square and a large battery of other elegant cricketing strokes.

Another hallmark of Tendulkar's batting has been his fine ability to improvise and unleash unorthodox shots like the paddle sweep, which have helped him to churn out good scores consistently despite wear and tear of the muscles with age and constant pressure cooker situations that mark international cricket.

"It is hard to imagine any player in the history of the game who combines classical technique with raw aggression like the little champion does," cricketing legend Sunll Gavaskar once said of Tendulkar.

Having carried the aspirations of millions of fans for over two decades, defying a number of injuries -- including a career threatening tennis elbow -- Tendulkar has emerged as one of the greatest icons the country has produced in all spheres of life.

Fans from Kashmir to Kanyakumari worship him, sponsors and endorsers stake their fortune on him confident of reaping rich dividends, and budding players know, who to look up to as role model.

On his part, Tendulkar has always steered clear of controversies on and off the field and played the gentleman's game in its true spirit.