Sachin Tendulkar has revealed that a book sent to him by Sathya Sai Baba served as a "constant companion" and provided him with the belief and inner strength that helped him overcome his World Cup drought in 2011. Tendulkar shared this heartfelt memory during the birth centenary celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi.
Tendulkar recalled receiving a phone call during a preparatory camp in Bengaluru informing him that Baba had sent him a book. This gesture occurred at a crucial moment when the pressure of the approaching World Cup was mounting. Tendulkar, who knew that this would be his last World Cup, said that the book brought a smile to his face and gave him confidence and inner strength. He felt a spring in his legs, signifying renewed vigor and determination.
Tendulkar said the book became his constant companion throughout the tournament. He felt that the blessings of Sathya Sai Baba reassured him and gave him the strength to face all challenges on the field without fear. Tendulkar emphasized that the 2011 World Cup victory, where India defeated Sri Lanka in Mumbai, remains the golden moment of his cricketing life. The entire nation celebrated the victory, and Tendulkar felt that it was only possible because of the blessings of well-wishers, gurus, and above all, Baba's blessings.
Sachin Tendulkar played a key role in India's 2011 World Cup victory. He finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, amassing 482 runs at an average of 53.55, including two centuries and two half-centuries. One of those centuries came against England on February 27, 2011, where he scored 120 runs off 115 balls. In the final against Sri Lanka, he contributed 18 runs.
Tendulkar had already played 20 years of international cricket and considered the 2011 World Cup to be his last. He described the feeling of lifting the World Cup trophy as unbelievable. After the victory, his teammates carried him on their shoulders around Wankhede Stadium, a moment he had craved throughout his career. Virat Kohli famously said, "Sachin had carried the burden of the nation for 21 years, and it was time for them to carry him on their shoulders". Tendulkar also recalled being cautious and asking his teammates not to drop him during the celebration.
The celebrations following the World Cup win were unprecedented. Tendulkar said he had never experienced anything like it, with the entire country celebrating as one. The journey from Wankhede Stadium to the team hotel, a distance of only 2-3 kilometers, took an hour and a half due to the jam-packed streets and people dancing on cars.
Sachin Tendulkar has received numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. He understood from Sathya Sai Baba that being successful is not about accumulation but about contributing and giving something meaningful to the less privileged.
