Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar turns 34

The batting great has always kept his birthday programmes a closely guarded secret. Therefore, no one will perhaps have an inkling of what he would do today.

Cricket batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar turns 34 today.

HT Image

However, it is unlikely that the birthday boy would indulge in big celebrations, especially after he was "rested" for the Bangladesh One-day Internationals.

Tendulkar has rarely celebrated his birthdays lavishly over the years, preferring to spend time with his family - his wife, their son and daughter as well as other members.

The batting great has always kept his birthday programmes a closely guarded secret. And, therefore, no one will perhaps have an inkling of what he would do today or how he would go, if at all.

Last year he was laid low by a shoulder injury, and it was a low key birthday for the maestro who has played 135 Test matches and 384 One-day Internationals since making international debut on the tour of Pakistan in 1989.

On this occasion, Tendulkar could still be coming to terms with the fact that for the first time in his 17-year exciting international career he has been "rested" for a series when he is fit and available for selection.

Chief selector, Vengsarkar said on Friday that both players "understand" the need to be "rested" for the three ODIs in Bangladesh.

India is to play about 45 One-day Internationals this season, and Vengsarkar said the two would get their chances to play ODIs later.

Both players will, however, join the team in Bangladesh for the two Test matches.

Tendulkar is a shy person and reticent, despite attaining worldwide fame and earning fortunes. Even his rivals and critics admire these qualities of his as much as his world-class batsmanship.

The little master, as he is known, has accumulated 10,688 Test runs at an average of 54.7 with a world-record 35 centuries and 43 half-centuries. He also has aggregated 14,847 One-day International runs at 44.05 with 41 centuries.