In an Irani Cup match against Delhi in 1989–90, Sachin Tendulkar recalled former Indian player Gursharan Singh’s gesture to walk out at No. 10 despite having a broken hand, which helped him score a heroic 103 for the Rest of India on Tuesday.
In the match played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, a rampant Delhi defeated the Rest of India by 309 runs. Tendulkar fought valiantly, hitting 103, while former India opener WV Raman’s 41 was the other noteworthy effort.
Gursharan, a former player for India, Delhi, and Punjab, came out at No. 10 with a broken hand to support Tendulkar as the two scored an additional 36 runs for the final wicket while struggling at 209 for nine in pursuit of a massive target of 554. ROI was bowled out for 245.
“As they say, promises are meant to be kept. I feel I’ll go a step further and say that promises are meant to be kept, but also meant to be delivered… and that is what is our DNA,” Tendulkar recalled at an Ageas Federal Life Insurance event in Mumbai.
“I can recall an incident… long way back in 1989 when I was playing Irani Trophy. This was a trial match before one got selected for India. I was batting in the 90s, and my partner, Gursharan Singh, had an injury — a broken hand — and he wasn’t supposed to bat.
“But he was asked by the chairman of the selection committee, Raj Singh Dungarpur, to go out and bat and support his teammate. Gursharan came and helped me reach my hundred and I got selected to play for India after that. Afterward, Gursharan also became part of the Indian cricket team,” he added.
Tendulkar stated he was moved by Gursharan’s gesture. Gursharan had a single appearance for India in both Tests and ODIs.
“I thanked him profusely on the ground and in the dressing room because it was a big thing for him to come out with a broken hand,” Tendulkar said.
“Just stepping out with a broken hand was significant. Whether I scored a hundred or not was secondary. His intent and attitude mattered most to me (and) that truly touched my heart,” he added.
