My father set me free at the age of eleven when he told me ‘Chase your dreams, but make sure you don’t find shortcuts to them.’

In his career spanning 24 years, hardly any records have escaped Sachin Tendulkar’s masterly touch. Besides being the highest run scorer in Tests and ODIs, he also uniquely became the first and only batsman to score 100 international centuries and play 200 Tests. His proficient stroke-making is legendary, as is his ability to score runs in all parts of the field and all over the world.

Coming from a middle-class family in Mumbai, Sachin, who was quite mischievous as a boy, grew up to show - as player and captain - how targets can be achieved and dreams can be made to come true. No wonder then, that his passion for cricket, his pride in his country and his exemplary conduct on and off the field have made him the beloved of billions and a role model for generations to come.

Read his story to know the deepest details of his eventful life.