Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar said on Wednesday that the blessings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba offered him inner strength and clarity during the high-pressure 2011 World Cup campaign.
Speaking at the revered spiritual leader’s birth centenary celebrations in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharat Ratna awardee shared deeply personal memories of his long-standing bond with Baba.
Tendulkar said that Baba’s guidance taught him that true success lies not in accumulation but in meaningful contribution, especially towards the less privileged, a philosophy that shaped his life on and off the field.
Recounting a pivotal moment from 2011, the former batsman described receiving a book from Baba during the India team’s preparatory camp in Bengaluru.
The gesture, he said, filled him with confidence and emotional resilience ahead of what he knew would be his final World Cup.
“There were immense expectations, emotions were running high, and then came a call saying Baba had sent me his book. It brought a smile to my face. I felt that inner strength instantly,” he said.
He added that the book became his constant companion throughout the tournament, culminating in India’s historic victory against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
“The entire nation was celebrating, a golden moment in my career, and it was possible because of the blessings of our well-wishers, our gurus and above all, Baba’s grace,” he noted.
Memories of Early Encounters and Lifelong Lessons
Tendulkar reflected on his early childhood, when people often compared his long hair to Sathya Sai Baba’s. He recalled his first personal meeting with Baba in Whitefield in the mid-1990s, followed by several interactions that left a lasting impression.
Sharing an incident from 1997, he said Baba had an extraordinary ability to understand unspoken thoughts. “Before I could ask anything, he answered the questions on my mind. It was an unbelievable experience.”
He added that Baba’s lessons on empathy, acceptance and mental well-being continue to guide millions. “He believed in healing, helping and uplifting people, not through instruction but through example,” Tendulkar said.
Calling Puttaparthi a place that offers purpose and comfort, Tendulkar said he felt privileged to join the celebrations and reflect on the spiritual guidance that shaped his journey.
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