Sachin's Century: A Turning Point in Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma scored his 100th international century during a One Day International (ODI) match against Bangladesh on March 16, 2012, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. This century marked a significant turning point in Indian cricket, both for Tendulkar and for the nation.

Achieving the 100th Century

Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international century came in the 2012 Asia Cup against Bangladesh, achieving this milestone through calculated strategy and quick scoring. He amassed 114 runs off 147 balls, recording a formidable strike rate of 77. Despite this impressive performance, the result of the match was not to India's advantage.

A Bittersweet Milestone

While many cricket fans and critics alike marvel at Sachin's achievement, Tendulkar's 100th century did not come without controversy. It was indeed an anomaly—such a high strike rate in an ODI. This anomaly primarily stemmed from the timing of the innings and the context of the match in the 2012 Asia Cup. On the surface, it seemed unusual for a cricketer to score in such a manner in an ODI, leading many to question the actual circumstances.

This century, though sensational, came at a cost. India had already secured a victory against Sri Lanka and had just clinched another win against Pakistan. However, due to a slight difference in the ?RR (Net Run Rate), this match became critical and dear to the team's progression in the tournament. India missed out on a golden opportunity to advance to the semi-finals of the Asia Cup.

The Impact on the 2012 Asia Cup

The 2012 Asia Cup was a tournament where both Mahesh Samaraweera and Virat Kohli were in incredible form, setting new records and bringing new heights to Indian cricket. In the first match, Mahesh Samaraweera scored a remarkable 4626 runs, and Virat Kohli registered two centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, recording the highest one-day international score by an individual in the Asia Cup against Pakistan.

With such dominance in the tournament and 7 victories, the prospects for India were bright. However, as Kuber Puri points out, 'The India Team rules in the Asia Cup 2012 but due to a slow scoring century. So Zero.'

While this loss in the tournament was certainly a disappointment, it served as a wake-up call for the team and the nation. Tendulkar, often criticized for his slower yet essential contributions, seemed to extend his career just for personal milestones, not necessarily for the team's success. This sentiment is captured in the statement, 'He extended his career just for his personal milestones.'

Legacy and Criticism

No disrespect to Sachin Tendulkar, who remains a generational talent. However, the criticism directed towards his plays reflects the broader cricketing culture in India.

Among those who have played for India, Tendulkar is recognized as one of the players who, despite his immense talent, at times prioritized personal milestones over the team. This attitude is discussed in the statement, 'Among those who played for India Sachin is one of the selfish players ever.'

Ultimately, while Tendulkar's 100th century is a landmark achievement, it serves as a reminder of the need for selflessness and sacrifice in team sports. As India continues to grow and evolve, the spirit of Tendulkar will be a part of its rich cricketing legacy.

The legacy of Tendulkar's 100th century remains a significant talking point in Indian cricket history, a bittersweet milestone that encapsulates both his achievement and the broader context of cricket performance.