Sachin Tendulkar & Shane Warne - The duel that made cricket worth watching

The battle between the bat and ball has always fascinated us, but none more so than between two legendary superstars - Sachin Tendulkar and the late Shane Warne. Here, we will have a quick afternoon look at one of the sport’s greatest rivalries.

Both had immense respect for each other's careers, but when the two went out on the pitch, their rivalry was a mouthwatering affair.?One of the greatest ever batsmen and bowler, the two enjoyed illustrious times on the field. Right from Sydney in January 1992, when Warne made his Test debut in the third match of the series in which?Tendulkar hit an unbeaten 148, to the numerous T20 matches?in the Indian Premier League, the two greatest cricketers?of the last two decades have fought enduring battles?on the pitch which have become part of cricket folklore.?

In 1998 at the Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Warne drew first blood by having the batting master caught for four in the slips, then he ran through the middle order to restrict India to 257 in their first innings. In reply, Australia made 328, helped by Ian Healy’s 90. In the ODIs as well, the duel was an exciting affair. In the 1996 World Cup,?Tendulkar's combative 90 was doled out against Australia.?India were 6 for 2 after seven overs, but before the end of the 11th over, India's scoreboard read 50, with Tendulkar unbeaten on 41 off 35 balls. In 1998-99, Warne was at the peak of his powers and Tendulkar looked like a man on a mission. Warne gave birth to the famous rivalry in 1998 when he got Tendulkar out for that single-digit score. But the smiles on Australian players’ faces were soon wiped off as Tendulkar smashed a century in the second innings of the same match in Chennai. The two players faced off on many occasions at the culmination of their respective careers. The IPL being the setting for many an intense contest as both men saw their careers enter twilight.

It was a full house whenever the two legends met weather it being on the international stage, IPL or years later in Cricket All Stars series. There was a constant battle between the two. Tendulkar did not always dominate Warne as the leg-spinner dismissed him on four occasions. As Tendulkar mentioned in his tribute, there was never a dull moment when he was around. The humble Tendulkar provided an interesting agitation to Warne’s confident and cocksure approach to the game. The two always intent on delivering moments of magic for crowds all over the globe.

Tendulkar was shocked by the sudden death of the Victoria-born cricketer. He tweeted at the time of the Australian legend’s premature passing “Shocked, stunned & miserable … we will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you”. A true sporting rivalry fulled by passion, grace and humour. One which fans of every sport should appreciate as the years roll further and further on.