Welcome to our blog post dedicated to explore how many times did Sachin get out on 99. We will celebrate the remarkable career and legacy of Sachin Tendulkar, a name synonymous with cricket greatness.
In this post, we’ll delve into the three instances when the “Master Blaster” was dismissed in 99 and how he holds the record for the most dismissals in the ’90s.
Table of Contents
Sachin Tendulkar’s Background:
Sachin Tendulkar, often called the “God of Cricket” is a legendary figure in cricket. Born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, India, Tendulkar displayed exceptional talent from a young age. At 16, he debuted for the Indian national team, becoming the youngest player to represent India in Test cricket.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over two decades, Sachin Tendulkar rewrote the record books and set new benchmarks in the sport. He holds numerous records, including the most runs scored in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket, with an astonishing 100 international centuries to his name.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Near-Century Heartbreak: The 99 Club in ODI Cricket
Sachin Tendulkar’s illustrious cricket career is adorned with numerous records and milestones. However, one aspect that might surprise many fans is his unfortunate brush with the score 99 in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Three Times in Six Months:
In a particularly heart-wrenching period in 2007, Sachin Tendulkar experienced near-century heartbreak not once, not twice, but thrice!
The first instance occurred on January 31, 2007, against South Africa in the fifth ODI of the series. Tendulkar fell agonizingly short of his hundred when he was dismissed for 99, caught by Graeme Smith off the bowling of Makhaya Ntini.
The second time Tendulkar was dismissed on 99 in 2007 was on March 14, during the ICC Cricket World Cup match against Sri Lanka. Despite his valiant effort, Tendulkar’s innings ended in dismay as Lasith Malinga caught him off the bowling of Dilhara Fernando.
When it seemed like lightning wouldn’t strike thrice, fate had other plans. On June 10, 2007, in an ODI against Ireland, Tendulkar again fell prey to the 99 curse. This time, he was caught by wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien off the bowling of Dave Langford-Smith.
Record Holder for Most Dismissals in the 90s:
Sachin Tendulkar’s misfortune of being dismissed in the 90s wasn’t limited to these three instances. He fell short of reaching the century mark 18 times in ODIs and 10 times in Test cricket. As a result, Tendulkar holds the unfortunate record for the most dismissals in the 90s in cricket history.
Despite these near-misses, Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy remains untarnished. His contribution to the game goes far beyond statistics, embodying the resilience, skill, and passion that define cricketing greatness.
The 99 Club is a bittersweet memory for Tendulkar and his fans. Here’s a list of notable batters who have been dismissed on 99 or remained not out on 99 in One Day International (ODI) cricket:
List of other Batsmen Stranded on 99
| Sr. No. | Player’s Name | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoffrey Boycott (England) | Dismissed on 99 against Australia in 1972 |
| 2 | Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) | Left not out on 99 against West Indies in 2008 |
| 3 | Richie Richardson (West Indies) | Dismissed on 99 against India in 1989 |
| 4 | Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) | Dismissed on 99 against Pakistan in 2004. |
| 5 | Martin Crowe (New Zealand): | Left not out on 99 against Sri Lanka in 1992. |
| 6 | Saeed Anwar (Pakistan): | Dismissed on 99 against Sri Lanka in 1996. |
| 7 | Mark Waugh (Australia): | Dismissed on 99 against India in 2000. |
| 8 | Umar Akmal (Pakistan): | Left not out on 99 against Afghanistan in 2014. |
| 9 | Matthew Hayden (Australia): | Dismissed on 99 against India in 2000. |
| 10 | Virender Sehwag (India): | Dismissed on 99 against West Indies in 2011. |
| 11 | Gordon Greenidge (West Indies): | Left not out on 99 against India in 1989. |
| 12 | Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka): | Dismissed on 99 against Pakistan in 2004. |
| 13 | Herschelle Gibbs(South Africa) * |
* South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs have been dismissed on 99 thrice in his career against Zimbabwe in 2005, against Bangladesh in 2008, and against West Indies in 2009. This unfortunate record adds an intriguing footnote to Gibbs’ otherwise illustrious career.
Trends in Cricket
Players being dismissed on 99 in cricket matches is relatively rare but not unheard of. While scoring 99 suggests a batsman’s remarkable achievement nearing a century, it also signifies the frustration and disappointment of falling agonizingly short of reaching the coveted three-figure mark. The reasons behind dismissals can vary, but several factors contribute to this phenomenon.
1. Psychological Pressure: As a batsman approaches a century, the pressure to reach the milestone intensifies. This psychological burden can affect concentration and decision-making, leading to lapses in judgment or uncharacteristic shots that result in dismissals.
2. Nervousness: The nerves associated with being on the brink of a century can lead to anxiousness and hesitation, causing a batter to become tentative or overly cautious in their approach. This can make them vulnerable to making mistakes or getting out to deliveries they might otherwise handle easily.
3. Increased Focus from Bowlers: Bowlers often raise their game when a batter is on the verge of a century, employing subtle variations in pace, line, and length to exploit vulnerabilities. This heightened scrutiny can make it challenging for the batter to negotiate the bowling effectively, increasing the likelihood of a dismissal.
4. Loss of Concentration: The anticipation of reaching a century can distract a batter from focusing on the immediate task of playing each ball on its merit. This loss of concentration can lead to lapses in technique or judgment, resulting in dismissals that might have been avoided under normal circumstances.
Insights from Cricket Experts:
Cricket experts have shed light on the psychological impact of being dismissed on 99, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster experienced by batters in such situations. Former players and analysts have highlighted the disappointment and sense of missed opportunity accompanying falling short of a century, often describing it as a bitter pill.
According to cricket psychologists and coaches, the mental resilience required to overcome the disappointment of being dismissed on 99 is crucial for a player’s long-term success. Learning to manage pressure and maintain composure in high-stakes situations is a skill that separates elite performers from the rest.
In conclusion, while being dismissed on 99 is rare, it underscores the psychological complexities inherent in the sport. Understanding the factors contributing to such dismissals and the emotional toll they can take on players provides valuable insights into the mental aspects of cricket and the challenges faced by batters striving for individual milestones.
Final Words:
Sachin Tendulkar’s career is a testament to cricketing greatness and perseverance. His impact extends beyond statistics, embodying the values of integrity, humility, and sportsmanship. Tendulkar’s journey has inspired millions of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, uniting nations and transcending boundaries.
His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and pride, reminding us of the transformative power of sports and the enduring spirit of human achievement.
Have you ever witnessed a player falling short of a century? What lessons do you draw from Tendulkar’s resilience and determination? Feel free to share your insights, memories, and reflections in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the legacy of Sachin Tendulkar and the magic of cricket together!
James Paul is a former first-class cricketer and passionate cricket analyst. His decades of experience on the field and his love for the game shape his insights into the strategies and personalities that define world-class cricket.