201 international wickets, one favourite: Sachin Tendulkar's pick will surprise you

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar is celebrated as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, but his bowling remains an often-overlooked part of his game. Though never a frontline bowler, Tendulkar’s versatility made him a valuable part-time option. He could bowl medium pace, off-spin, and leg-spin, often stepping in to break stubborn partnerships or give the main bowlers a breather.In Tests, Tendulkar claimed 46 wickets across 200 matches. While his bowling role was limited, he still produced memorable spells, with best figures of 3/10.During a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, a fan asked him: “Hi Sachin, what’s the favorite wicket that you’ve ever taken (while bowling)?” Tendulkar’s reply was short and telling: “Moin Khan… last ball of the day.”The wicket came in the 2004 Multan Test, remembered primarily for Virender Sehwag’s historic 309, which made him the first Indian to score a triple century in Tests and earned him the nickname “Multan ka Sultan.” The game is also etched in memory for Rahul Dravid’s declaration when Tendulkar was unbeaten on 194 — though that is another story.After India piled up 675/5, Pakistan’s resistance rested on Abdul Razzaq and Moin Khan, with the hosts five down. Tendulkar was handed the final over of Day 3.Employing clever tactics, he deliberately pushed fielders back to allow Razzaq a single, ensuring the nervous Moin Khan would face the strike. What followed was pure genius. Tendulkar bowled a deceptive googly that slipped through Moin’s defense and crashed into the stumps.A stunned Moin walked back as India capped the day perfectly. The visitors eventually won the Test by an innings and 52 runs, but for Tendulkar, that single dismissal remains one of his most cherished bowling moments.