Sachin Tendulkar turns 31 on Saturday.
The master batsman played a key role in India's maiden Test and One-Day International series triumphs in Pakistan, scoring two centuries -- one in the Tests and one in the ODIs.
While he could only manage 153 runs in five Tests last year, the little champion broke the shackles in 2004 and has already scored 506 runs in four Tests so far.
With age and experience Tendulkar has matured. He now believes in guiding youngsters and playing a key role in the team's development.
Join rediff.com in wishing India's best batsman on his birthday and praying for a year full of runs and success.