Sachin the mentor: how Tendulkar is shaping India’s next generation

Sachin Tendulkar played his last international match in November 2013. More than a decade later his influence on Indian cricket is as strong as ever — not through runs, but through advice, academies and the example he sets for young players.

Sanju Samson’s World Cup

The clearest recent example came at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Sanju Samson scored 321 runs in the tournament, including 89 in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on 8 March 2026 — the highest score by any batter in a men’s T20 World Cup final. India won by 96 runs to claim a record third T20 world title, and Samson was named Player of the Tournament.

Afterwards Samson publicly credited Tendulkar with helping him in the build-up to the tournament — a reminder of the quiet role the former captain still plays behind the scenes.

A quiet mentoring style

Tendulkar rarely speaks publicly about the players he helps. Those who have worked with him describe a few consistent themes:

• Simplicity. Keep the head still, watch the ball and trust your preparation.
• Process over results. Focus on the next ball rather than on selection worries.
• Respect for the game. Prepare thoroughly and stay humble.

He was a mentor of Mumbai Indians in the IPL for many years after retiring and has offered advice to batters across the country, from established stars to young players.

Academies and coaching

Tendulkar has backed cricket academies that use his training methods, including the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy, run with Middlesex County Cricket Club, which offers camps in India and abroad. In 2026 a centre linked to his SRT10 brand opened in Ahmedabad.

The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation

His foundation supports children’s health, education and sport, particularly in underserved communities. Tendulkar often credits his father, Professor Ramesh Tendulkar, a Marathi poet and teacher, and his coach Ramakant Achrekar for the values he tries to pass on.

Why his voice matters

Few people have experienced the pressure that young Indian cricketers face better than Tendulkar. He made his Test debut at 16 in Pakistan in 1989 and played 24 years under the weight of national expectation. When he tells a struggling player that failure is part of the journey, they know he speaks from experience.

Records being chased

As young players rise, some of Tendulkar’s records are falling. In September 2026 England’s Joe Root passed his record of 68 Test fifties. Virat Kohli has already passed his 49 ODI centuries. Tendulkar has welcomed these achievements, saying records are meant to be broken.

His biggest records, though — 100 international centuries, 200 Tests and 15,921 Test runs — still stand.

The legacy in 2026

Tendulkar’s role today is that of a respected elder: available for advice, careful not to interfere and proud of a generation that grew up watching him. When Samson lifted the Player of the Tournament award, it showed that the most famous name in Indian cricket is still helping to write its future.