India is set to host West Indies for a
three-match ODI series starting Sunday, with all three matches set to be played
at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will be the Men in Blue’s
1000th in the format and India will become the first nation to reach
the landmark.

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded the
feat, saying it was a “huge milestone” for the country. “India playing the 1000th
ODI is a huge milestone. The first ODI was played in 1974, it was only possible
because of the past cricketers, current cricketers, the past and current board
members,” the 48-year-old said on 100MB.

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“And not to forget the most important
people, our Indian cricket team well-wishers, from the past generations and the
ones who are today with us,” he added.

Tendulkar has played nearly half of all India’s
ODI matches, making a record 463 appearances in the format. He also holds the
record for most runs in the format, a staggering 18,426 at an average of 44.84,
most centuries (49), most fifties (96) among others.

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The ‘Little Master Blaster’ was part of India’s
200th, 300th, 400th, 500th, 600th,
700th and 800th ODI matches – as noted by twitter user
@mufaddal_vohra, highlighting the longevity of his glittering career.

Meanwhile, Tendulkar also wished Team India
good luck for the home series against the Caribbean side.

“I want to say it is an achievement for all
of us and the entire nation should be proud of this and hope Indian cricket
continues to grow from strength to strength. I wish them all the very best for
the coming series and especially for the 1000th ODI.”

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India’s record at 999 ODIs stands at 518
wins, 431 losses, 41 no result and nine ties.

The three-match ODI series will be followed
by a three-match T20I series, with all games to be played at the Eden Gardens
in Kolkata.