Master Sachin Tendulkar Conquers All

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar and Sourav Ganguly marvelled at Sachin Tendulkar's phenomenal career as current and former cricketers all around the world raised a toast to the iconic Indian batsman, who completed a century of international hundreds today.

Tendulkar, who had been without a hundred for a year, scored 114 against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup match in Mirpur to complete a century of hundreds.

"He is always focussed, he is a perfect team-man. He has got an inquisitive mind, a mind that is prepared to learn. That's how you progress. Tendulkar has got the mind that he always looks to score, never satisfied and always hungry for runs. His approach, focus and concentration is incredible," said Gavaskar.

"Enough has been said about it so it's not a day to talk about it. Let's enjoy Sachin's 100th century. It's a phenomenal thing. All of us are proud of him and he is an absolute champion," added Ganguly.

Chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth said the hundred was a good reply to the critics who had been harping on the one-year wait that Tendulkar endured.

"It is a feat that is incomparable in any form of cricket and unparallelled in the history of this gentleman's game. In my opinion people may criticise that Sachin had taken this long to get his 100th century. It is easy for anyone to indulge in armchair talk but they will realise the difficulties only when they go out and bat for over two decades," he said.

"I do not deny that Sachin had missed number of centuries being in 90s but his effort in achieving the glorious feat itself speaks volume about him.

"To me, it is a moment of great delight and happiness as I was involved with him as a captain when he made his international debut and being the Chairman of Selection Committee fills the cup," he added.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen said Tendulkar's feat was "absolutely unbelievable".

"Seriously has anyone actually thought about what Sachin has done here?? 100 100's!!!! Absolutely unbelievable.. Batters dream!" he said.

Tendulkar's teammate Virender Sehwag tweeted: @sachin_rt paaji congratulations!Its a small thing for you but a phenomenal historic achievement. Dinner's on me when we meet. Many more!:

Gavaskar said Tendulkar's appetite for runs has never diminished even after playing for so many years.

"He is always focussed, he is a perfect team-man. He has got an inquisitive mind, a mind that is prepared to learn. That's how you progress. Tendulkar has got the mind that he always looks to score, never satisfied and always hungry for runs," said Gavaskar.

"Enough has been said about it so it's not a day to talk about it. Let's enjoy Sachin's 100th century. It's a phenomenal thing," Ganguly said.

Chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth said the hundred was a good reply to the critics who had been harping on the one-year wait that Tendulkar endured.

"It is a feat that is incomparable in any form of cricket and unparallelled in the history of this gentleman's game. In my opinion people may criticise that Sachin had taken this long to get his 100th century. It is easy for anyone to indulge in armchair talk but they will realise the difficulties only when they go out and bat for over two decades," he said.

"I do not deny that Sachin had missed number of centuries being in 90s but his effort in achieving the glorious feat itself speaks volume about him.

"To me, it is a moment of great delight and happiness as I was involved with him as a captain when he made his international debut and being the Chairman of Selection Committee fills the cup," he added.

Srikkanth said Tendulkar's humility makes him a great sportsperson.

"As a person, who had played with him and continued to be associated with him is a god given opportunity for me. I must say that I am also blessed.

"I am sure his milestone will remain for longer time than the period that he has taken to achieve it as no one is close to it. Therefore Sachin's feat will remain for generations and be etched in the history books in golden letters," he added.

Hayden said India's success was still heavily reliant on Tendulkar despite the fact that the right-hander is over two decades old in international cricket.

"Performance of India revolves around him. The atmosphere and euphoria at the stadium, the buzz around the town when he is going to different places is second to none" said Hayden.

"He plays effortlessly. He always has got the methodology to score runs," he explained.

A round of applause also came from English spinner Graeme Swann and his pace counterpart Stuart Broad.

"...well done to sachin for his 100th ton. A fair effort indeed," tweeted Swann.

"I think 'The Little Master' nickname for Sachin suits him down to the ground... 100 tons is incredible," added Broad.

Former Australian player Tom Moody said the century is a celebration of Tendulkar's career.

"It's remarkable. You are talking about the wait for his 100th international century but it's an achievement over a long period of time. It's really a celebration of his career.

"It would have been nice if he had achieved this in Sydney or Melbourne. He is very much in the twilight of his career and was under enormous pressure to achieve this miletsone. My heartiest congratulations to him," he added.

PM congratulates Sachin Tendulkar

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday joined the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar for his historic feat of making the 100th international century, saying he had done the country proud and wished him many more innings to inspire youngsters.

"I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history a hundred centuries. He has made India proud," Singh said in his message soon after Tendulkar hit the century of centuries against Bangladesh.

Hailing Tendulkar's long career as a "triumph of class, character and courage", the Prime Minister said, "I wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youngsters."