Sachin Tendulkar Shares Memories of His Iconic 241 and His Pune Connection

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar spoke about his famous 241-run innings in Sydney (2003-04) and his bond with Pune at an event celebrating 75 years of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale on Sunday.

He explained how he avoided playing the cover drive in that innings after discussing it with his brother, Ajit Tendulkar. “Ajit told me the issue wasn’t the shot itself but my shot selection. In Sydney, I didn’t plan to stop playing cover drives. Ajit challenged me to play without getting out, and I accepted it. Since the cover drive was leading to my dismissals, I decided to avoid it,” Sachin shared.

Speaking about Pune, he said, “My sister lives here after marriage, so I feel like I am also a Punekar,” which received loud applause from the audience.

Tendulkar also highlighted the importance of a strong support system, comparing his cricket career to a Formula 1 car that needs a dedicated team. “For me, my team included my family, coaches, teammates, the groundsman, and fans who watched me play,” he said.

The event featured performances by poet Vaibhav Joshi, singer Anand Bhate, and Bansuri player Amar Oak. A special tribute was paid to the late Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, with Vaibhav Joshi reciting a heartfelt poem in his memory.

With a mix of cricket, music, and nostalgia, the evening was a memorable experience for the people of Pune.