In a world of high-stakes sports and glittering cinema, it is rare to witness a moment of pure, unscripted childhood joy. Yet, that is exactly what happened when two of India’s most towering icons, Sachin Tendulkar and the Amitabh Bachchan, paused their professional duties to engage in a spirited game of finger cricket.
The interaction, which has since set social media ablaze, took place during an event for the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). As the league’s core committee member and the owner of the Majhi Mumbai franchise respectively, Tendulkar and Bachchan were present to promote the grassroot-level tennis ball tournament. However, the formal atmosphere quickly evaporated, replaced by the nostalgic rhythm of a game played in every Indian school hallway.
The finger cricket face-off between Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar
The viral clip captures a side of the legends rarely seen by the public. Amidst the buzz of the ISPL preparations, the duo sat down for a quick round of finger cricket—a game where numbers flashed on fingers determine runs or wickets. Bachchan, known for his baritone voice and “Angry Young Man” persona, was seen displaying the enthusiasm of a schoolboy.
Big B later shared the delightful footage on his social media handles, aptly captioning it: “Playing finger cricket with the God of Cricket.” The video instantly resonated with fans, not just for the star power, but for the raw human emotion on display. When Bachchan was eventually “declared out” by the master blaster, the megastar’s reaction was priceless; he briefly sulked with a playful pout before breaking into a wide grin and jumping back into the game.
Tendulkar, ever the competitor yet equally relaxed, played along with his signature humble smile. The camaraderie between the two was palpable, reflecting a bond built on decades of mutual admiration. For fans, it was a heartwarming reminder that no matter how high one climbs, the simple joys of one’s roots—much like the street cricket the ISPL celebrates—never truly fade.
Here’s the video:
T 5623(i) – playing finger cricket with the God of Cricket pic.twitter.com/dmplM1RoQL
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 12, 2026
The immortal legacy of the “Master Blaster” Tendulkar
While the finger cricket match was lighthearted, it served as a poignant nod to Tendulkar’s unparalleled professional journey. For over 24 years, Tendulkar didn’t just play cricket; he carried the hopes of a billion people every time he stepped onto the pitch.
Starting his international career at the tender age of 16 in 1989, Tendulkar went on to redefine the record books. He remains the only player to score 100 international centuries and the first male cricketer to smash a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His career statistics are staggering:
- Total International Runs: 34,357
- Test Matches: 200 (a world record)
- ODI Runs: 18,426
Beyond the numbers, Tendulkar’s legacy is defined by his technical perfection and his role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory. Even in retirement, his involvement in initiatives like the ISPL shows his commitment to finding the “next Sachin” from the very streets where he once started.
