Sachin five short of Indian record!

Sachin Tendulkar has the world eating out of his hands after recording his 50th Test century. By next year, he will surely achieve another monumental feat by completing a century of centuries in international cricket. (He has 46 in ODIs right now). In that journey, he will have the fervent support of his followers who will be hoping for a three-figure score everytime he takes guard in a Test or One-dayers. Statisticians and the hard-to-please critics will point out to one peak that is yet to be scaled by the legend. Not much has been mentioned about it. Tendulkar is just five centuries away from overtaking Sunil Gavaskar's Indian record of 81 first-class centuries.

Besides, 50 Test centuries, Tendulkar has 27 centuries in first class cricket, and currently stands at 77, second behind Gavaskar in the Indian list. Gavaskar finished with 34 Test centuries in 125 Tests and 47 centuries in 223 other first class games for a grand tally of 81 centuries in 348 first class games, which also include Test matches. Tendulkar has 50 centuries in 175 Tests and 27 tons in 102 other first class matches for a total of 77 centuries in 277 matches.

Tendulkar hardly plays first class games other than Tests in the hope that he can preserve his body for a longer time. Why, he even has semi-retired from the ODI format, what with his last ODI being against South Africa on February 24, in Gwalior, the same game where he made the unbeaten 200. Will the impending record motivate him to step onto the dusty pitches on which domestic cricket is played? Only time will tell.

Tendulkar's 77 centuries: 50 in Tests, 16 in Ranji Trophy, 1 for Mumbai in tour match against Australians, 3 for West Zone in Duleep Trophy, 5 for Indians in overseas tour matches, 1 for Rest of India in Irani Cup and 1 for Yorkshire in county cricket. (Gavaskar, by the way, had only 35 international centuries: 34 in Tests and one in ODIs)

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