Sachin Tendulkar Snubbed from All-Time XI: The Live Call That Left Everyone Stunned

Lloyd calls Tendulkar live after Waugh leaves him out of all-time XI — Watch

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Imagine being so legendary that your omission from an “all-time greats” list sparks international headlines—and a live phone call from a stunned broadcaster. That’s exactly what happened to Sachin Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket,” during a recent episode of the popular Sky Sports podcast, Stick to Cricket. The incident has reignited debates about cricketing greatness and just how irreplaceable Tendulkar’s legacy truly is.

The Podcast Controversy: When Bumble Called Sachin Live

The drama unfolded on the Stick to Cricket podcast, hosted by Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell, and the ever-charming David “Bumble” Lloyd . During a light-hearted segment where guests were asked to pick their all-time XI, former Australian batsman Mark Waugh made a shocking decision: he left out Sachin Tendulkar .

The room was reportedly stunned into silence. In a moment of comedic genius (or perhaps genuine disbelief), David Lloyd decided to call Tendulkar live on air to get his reaction. He introduced the call as coming from “Bumble,” but before a single word could be exchanged, the line went dead—cut off almost instantly. The abrupt disconnection sent the studio into fits of laughter, but the underlying message was clear: omitting Tendulkar is a bold, if not reckless, move .

This isn’t just a case of hurt feelings; it’s a challenge to one of the most statistically dominant careers in the history of sport. To understand why this omission caused such a stir, we need to look at the numbers that define the Little Master.

Why Sachin Tendulkar Belongs in Every All-Time XI

Leaving Sachin Tendulkar out of an all-time XI isn’t just controversial; it’s statistically indefensible. His career spanned an incredible 24 years, during which he redefined batting across all formats. Here’s a snapshot of his unparalleled achievements:

  • Most international runs ever: 34,357 runs across Tests and ODIs .
  • Most international centuries: 100 centuries (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs) .
  • Only player with 100 international centuries.
  • Most runs in World Cup history: 2,278 runs.
  • First to score a double century in ODIs.

These aren’t just records; they are monuments to consistency, skill, and longevity under the immense pressure of representing a cricket-crazed nation of over a billion people. For context, many consider players like Don Bradman, Viv Richards, or Brian Lara for such lists, but Tendulkar’s body of work across two full decades in the modern, hyper-competitive era sets him apart.

Tendulkar vs. Kohli: The Ultimate Statistical Battle

Often, the only name mentioned in the same breath as Tendulkar is Virat Kohli. While Kohli is undoubtedly the closest active challenger, the gap between them remains significant. Let’s break down the numbers:

As of now, Virat Kohli has amassed approximately 27,230 international runs, a phenomenal tally that places him among the greats . However, this still leaves him over 7,000 runs short of Tendulkar’s monumental 34,357 .

In terms of centuries, the gap is even more telling. Kohli has 82 international centuries, an incredible feat, but he still needs 18 more to match Tendulkar’s historic 100 . While Kohli boasts a superior overall batting average (52.27 vs. Tendulkar’s 48.52 in combined international cricket) , the sheer volume and longevity of Tendulkar’s output are unmatched.

Here’s a quick comparison of their Test and ODI records:

Format Player Runs Centuries Average
Test Sachin Tendulkar 15,921 51 53.78
Virat Kohli 9,230 30 46.85
ODI Sachin Tendulkar 18,426 49 44.83
Virat Kohli 14,181 50 58.45

While Kohli has a slight edge in ODI centuries and a much higher ODI average, Tendulkar’s Test record is significantly more prolific in both runs and centuries [[9], [12]]. This comprehensive dominance across both major formats is what cements his place in any serious all-time discussion.

The Legacy of an Icon

Beyond the numbers, Tendulkar’s impact on the game is immeasurable. He inspired a generation of cricketers, not just in India but across the globe. His technique, temperament, and ability to perform on the biggest stages—from the 2011 World Cup final to countless high-pressure chases—have become the gold standard for aspiring batsmen. His influence can be seen in the playing styles of countless modern stars, including [INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-batting-technique].

For a deeper look at the evolution of cricket broadcasting, which played a huge role in making Tendulkar a global icon, you can explore the career of David Lloyd, whose work on Sky Sports has been instrumental in bringing these stories to life .

Conclusion

Mark Waugh’s decision to leave Sachin Tendulkar out of his all-time XI might have been a moment of personal preference or a playful provocation, but it inadvertently highlighted the sheer magnitude of Tendulkar’s achievements. The live call from David Lloyd, though comically cut short, served as a perfect metaphor: Tendulkar’s legacy is so vast and immediate that it demands acknowledgment. In the pantheon of cricketing gods, the Little Master isn’t just a member—he’s a cornerstone. Any all-time XI that omits him is, quite simply, incomplete.

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