Cricket enthusiasts were treated to a flash of nostalgia when Sachin Tendulkar, the ‘God of Cricket,’ turned back the clock with his trademark uppercut in the International Masters League (IML) 2025 final. Playing for India Masters against West Indies Masters in Raipur, the great batter reminded everyone of his golden years, bringing back memories of his iconic uppercut six off Shoaib Akhtar in the 2003 World Cup at Centurion.
The suspenseful moment came in the last over of the powerplay when Sachin Tendulkar was up against former West Indies pacer Jerome Taylor. On the fourth ball, Taylor short-pitched a ball outside off, and Tendulkar reflexively steered it over the short third-man area, the ball racing to the boundary. It was classic Tendulkar, reflecting the elegance and accuracy that made him one of the game’s all-time greats.
But what came after was even more enchanting. On the next delivery, Jerome Taylor tried to push Sachin Tendulkar even further by bowling short and wide once again, but this time Tendulkar leaned back and dispatched a beautiful uppercut.
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The ball went over the third-man boundary for a six, a virtually similar shot he had played against Akhtar twenty years ago. The crowd cheered in acknowledgement, realizing that they had just seen a taste of cricketing history. Although Tendulkar’s stay was short-lived—25 off 18 balls—he gave India Masters a good platform in their pursuit.
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐤𝐚𝐫 Upper cut! 🤌
Watch the Grand Finale 👉 LIVE now on @JioHotstar, @Colors_Cineplex & @CCSuperhits! 📺📲#IMLT20 #TheBaapsOfCricket #IMLonJioHotstar #IMLonCineplex pic.twitter.com/N7u94Tfp8h
— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) March 16, 2025
India Masters won the first season of the IML in a resounding six-wicket win against West Indies Masters in the final. After limiting the Caribbean team to a paltry 148/7, India posted the target total with ease, reaching 149/4 in 17.1 overs.
The hero of the evening was Ambati Rayudu, whose scorching 74 off 50 balls was the match-winning knock. The ex-Indian middle-order batsman hit nine boundaries and three sixes, taking the West Indies bowling attack for a ride with his aggressive batting. His innings kept India on top, and although he got out in the 15th over, his contribution had already weighed heavily in his team’s favour.
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West Indies momentarily held out hope following Rayudu’s fall, but Stuart Binny made sure there would be no last-minute surprises. The all-rounder provided a crucial cameo, hitting an unbeaten 16 from a mere 9 deliveries, sealing the chase in style. Such an emphatic display saw India Masters win the first-ever IML trophy, ending a thrilling tournament full of nostalgia, iconic performances, and moments of cricketing heaven to remember.
