'17-year-old boy became a man...': When Sunil Gavaskar lauded Sachin Tendulkar for his first Test hundred

NEW DELHI: Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar scored 51 Test centuries in his illustrious career, the most by any player in Test cricket history. These hundreds spanned a career of 24 years, from 1989 to 2013, in which Sachin became a legend in cricket.Tendulkar's first Test century came against England on August 14, 1990, at Old Trafford, Manchester. He scored an unbeaten 119, which helped India salvage a draw. Tendulkar was just 17 years old at the time, and his innings showcased his incredible maturity and skill, earning him widespread acclaim as a rising star in world cricket.Sunil Gavaskar used to present a TV programme at that time and there is a video on the internet that has the legend lauding Tendulkar for his first Test hundred.Talking about the hundred, Gavaskar, with Tendulkar sitting beside him, says in the video, "Certain critical situations bring out the best in men and bring out the best men. Old Trafford 1990 was such a situation for Indian cricket and that's when Sachin Tendulkar came to the fore. And remember, he was not even a man then, he was only 17 years old."The video then has Tendulkar receiving the Man of the Match award for his outstanding innings at Old Trafford, Manchester.Gavaskar continues, "There were several truly memorable performances in the match but the one that will stand out is the first Test century by Sachin Tendulkar. That was the day when a 17-year-old boy became a man."Tendulkar has also often reflected on his first Test hundred with great fondness, as it marked a key moment in his career. In interviews and his autobiography, 'Playing It My Way', Tendulkar described the experience as transformative, particularly because it came under pressure and at a young age.Tendulkar recalled feeling the weight of expectations and responsibility to save India from a defeat. The team was in a difficult position, and his unbeaten 119 helped India salvage a draw.Tendulkar has often emphasized the mental toughness required during that innings. Facing a strong England bowling attack, he needed to focus intensely and block out distractions. He has mentioned that it was one of the first times he realized he could play long innings and compete at the highest level.Tendulkar considered this century special not only because it was his first but also because it established him as a key player for India. He has mentioned that this knock cemented his place in the team and set the foundation for his legendary career.