Here's how Sachin Tendulkar found love in 5-year elder Anjali

Sachin Tendulkar is considered the father of modern-day cricket, having changed the game forever. Being referred to as the Master Blaster, he is also known as the ‘God of Cricket’. He played a pivotal role in helping India win the 2011 ICC World Cup.

Former Indian great Sachin Tendulkar is being referred to by many names. Nonetheless, the one tag that indeed denotes that he is a legend is that he is considered the ‘God of Cricket’.

Unlike most of the cricketers today, Tendulkar was only famous for his sublime gameplay. But how much do you know about his love life?

Well, we all know that he is married to Anjali, who happens to be five years elder to him. But how did it all happen? Let’s take a look at his love life here.

The first sight and love: Interestingly, it all started at the Mumbai International Airport in 1990, when Tendulkar had returned from an international tour, while Anjali was there to receive her mother. As they bumped into each other, they somewhat developed a liking for each other. Later, they met at a part through a familiar friend and it is where things started to escalate between the two. “I think what he liked about me was that I knew nothing about cricket when I first met him. I didn’t even know who Sachin was,” Anjali had once said.

Anything to date: Since Tendulkar was already a famous cricketer by the time, he had to be disguised in order to go out on a date with Anjali. The couple had once gone to a movie theatre, with Tendulkar disguised. However, during the interval, his disguise fell off, as he had to leave the theatre midway. Anjali also used to write letters to him during his international commitments, in order to save on telephone bills. At the same time, she had once even visited him at his house, disguised as a journalist.

Tying the knot: After five years of seeing each other, they finally decided that they should get hitched. Although there was a considerable age difference between the two, with Anjali being elder, they have time and again maintained that their commitment and understanding for each other was enough to take things ahead. “I’ve not known any other person in my life except Sachin. I understand him so well. So, whether I am his girlfriend or his wife, it’s the same thing, just an extension of that bond,” she had said.

Family love: Anjali was a paediatrician and used to practice medicines. Nonetheless, she decided to quit it after their marriage, as she chose to look after Tendulkar’s family. “I could not be married to Sachin and also have a full-time career. It wasn’t possible because he depends on me for almost everything. It was my decision. With Sachin not around and me with two kids at home, it wouldn’t have been possible. I took a decision and I have never, ever regretted it. I don’t eat. I don’t answer phones. I don’t drink. I don’t even move. I don’t reply to any SMS until he’s out,” she had confirmed.

A wife and a saviour: In his autobiography, Playing It My Way, Tendulkar had mentioned that it was Anjali, who stood by his side during his tough times, including the phase when he was unable to deliver as Team India captain. “I confided in Anjali that I feared there was nothing more that I could do to stem the tide of defeats. Anjali, as usual, managed to put things in perspective and assured me that things would surely get better in the months to come,” he had confessed.

Love goes on forever: Since the past 25 years, their bond has grown even more robust. The couple has two children, as Arjun is one his way to become a cricketer, while his daughter Sara has grown up as well. The couple has a beautiful family together, as they keep enjoying their life by going on vacations, frequently. “He hasn’t spent Diwali at home since we got married. But, it really doesn’t matter that it’s Diwali… any time he spends at home is great!” Anjali had once said.