Record-man Sachin always
puts team first
RBS global ambassador Sachin Tendulkar became the leading Test batsman of all time – then insisted that team success was more important than individual glory.
RBS global ambassador Sachin Tendulkar became the leading Test batsman of all time – then insisted that team success was more important than individual glory.
The cricketing legend surpassed the record of the West Indies' Brian Lara when he hit his 11,954th run on day one of India's second Test against Australia in Mohali.
The achievement was marked by fireworks above the stadium, and congratulations from the Australian players.
"I don't think about records, because the game isn't about breaking records," said Sachin, who recently joined an elite team of RBS ambassadors that includes golfing great Jack Nicklaus and Formula One champion Sir Jackie Stewart. "Records are what happen along the way.
"What I really value most is the satisfaction I get from playing for India and performing well. It might not be a hundred; it might only be 40 or 45 important runs
"But if my contribution is significant, I get to know immediately from my team-mates. That is something I really value."
Sachin, 35, went into the second Test needing 15 runs to overtake Lara's record, and when play stopped for tea, he was just two runs short. But he returned from the interval to hit the first ball for three off Australian bowler Peter Siddle. He was eventually dismissed for 88.
"Sachin represents everything we admire in sport – focus, determination and achievement."
David Webb, RBS Head of Sponsorship
