Sometimes in cricket, the most powerful stories are not about trophies or centuries — they are about courage, sacrifice, and the unseen heroes who make a difference. One such unforgettable story took place in the 1989–90 Irani Cup, when a young Sachin Tendulkar was fighting for an important century.
At the other end stood a teammate who shouldn’t even have been near the pitch — Gursharan Singh, whose hand was fractured. But that day, his heart was stronger than his injury. What he did for Sachin remains one of the most touching acts of sportsmanship in Indian cricket history.
This is the complete, inspiring story of that moment — its background, what happened, and why Sachin still talks about it with deep emotion.
**Who Was Gursharan Singh?
(The Quiet Hero Most Fans Don’t Know)**
Before we go into the incident, it is important to know who Gursharan Singh was.
Born on March 8, 1963 in Amritsar, Gursharan was one of the most reliable players in Indian domestic cricket. His qualities were:
- Solid and patient batting technique
- Strong temperament under pressure
- Leadership for Punjab
- A massive 298 in Ranji Trophy*
- A unique record of four catches as a substitute fielder in a Test
Despite his talent, Gursharan played only one Test and one ODI for India. The opportunities were few, competition was heavy, and he never got the long run he truly deserved.
But skill alone doesn’t define a hero. Sometimes, a single act does.
Irani Cup 1989–90: A High-Pressure Match
The stage was the Irani Cup, a prestigious match between Rest of India (RoI) and Delhi, played at Wankhede Stadium. Delhi posted an extremely challenging score. When Rest of India came in to bat, their innings started collapsing badly.
Soon, the scoreboard showed:
209 runs for 9 wickets.
Only one wicket left.
But one thing was different — a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar was still fighting, showing remarkable maturity and determination. He was close to a well-deserved century, a milestone that could strengthen his chances of being picked for India.
The problem?
There was no proper batter left to support him.
And the only remaining option was injured.
**Gursharan Singh Had a Fractured Hand
But He Still Said “Yes”**
Gursharan Singh had a broken hand. He wasn’t supposed to bat. In normal conditions, he would’ve been ruled out automatically.
But the team management and selectors knew this century mattered. The chairman of selectors then asked Gursharan something unusual:
“Can you go out and support the boy?”
Gursharan didn’t think twice.
He didn’t complain.
He didn’t worry about personal risk.
He simply said yes — because that’s what team players do.
This is the moment Sachin still remembers the most. Not the century. Not the runs.
But the gesture.
The Brave Last-Wicket Partnership
When Gursharan walked onto the field, he received a warm cheer from those who understood his pain and bravery. He could barely hold the bat properly. Every ball he faced required courage.
And yet, over the next few overs:
- He defended with one good hand
- He protected his body from fast deliveries
- He allowed Sachin to take most of the strike
- He kept the partnership alive despite injury
Together, they added 36 precious runs for the last wicket.
And then, the moment arrived…
Sachin Tendulkar completed his 103-run century.
Those runs helped him get noticed by the selectors and boosted his confidence at a very important age.
Rest of India still lost the match heavily, but what happened on the pitch became bigger than any match result.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Emotional Tribute (2025)
Fast forward to December 2025 — Sachin Tendulkar, now a global icon, remembered this moment publicly. His voice was filled with respect and gratitude as he said:
“Sometimes, what a person does for you matters more than any hundred you score.”
He shared with the audience:
- how Gursharan came out with a broken hand
- how he stood fearlessly to support him
- how he thanked him immediately after the match
- and how the memory has stayed in his heart for more than three decades
Sachin also revealed that he kept a promise —
he played a benefit match for Gursharan in 2005 as a token of gratitude.
This shows just how much that incident meant to him.
Why Gursharan Singh’s Gesture Still Matters
1. A Lesson in Teamwork
Gursharan didn’t walk out for himself — he walked out for his teammate. This selflessness is rare in competitive sport.
2. A Moment That Changed Indian Cricket
Had Sachin missed that century, his early progress might have slowed. Gursharan helped ensure the young prodigy got the confidence he deserved.
3. A Reminder of Unseen Heroes
Not every hero wears flashy jerseys or headlines. Some make history quietly, with courage and sacrifice.
4. A Symbol of True Sportsmanship
Playing with a fractured hand is painful, risky, and dangerous. Gursharan did it without hesitation.
5. An Example for New Cricketers
His story teaches budding players that cricket is not only about personal milestones — it’s about lifting each other up.
Life Beyond the Incident
After his playing career, Gursharan continued to contribute to cricket:
- Coaching young players
- Mentoring upcoming talent in Punjab
- Helping shape the next generation
He may not be a household name today, but his influence has quietly touched many careers.
**Final Thoughts:
Cricket Needs More Heroes Like Gursharan Singh**
Sachin Tendulkar went on to become one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. But behind one of his earliest milestones stood a man with a fractured hand and a gigantic heart.
Gursharan Singh’s story is a reminder that:
- Talent wins matches
- Courage wins respect
- But selflessness wins hearts forever
He may not have played a long international career, but his one act of bravery earned him a place in cricket’s emotional history.
And sometimes, that is a bigger achievement than any scoreboard can show.