Tendulkar will get 100th century soon: Achrekar

The endless wait for Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international century is not only causing frustration to millions of his fans worldwide, but also his coach.

Ramakant Achrekar, who coached Tendulkar as a kid during his school days, is keenly following the batting ace's exploits in Australia, hoping to see him reach the coveted landmark.

"Every time Tendulkar falls short of his century, he gets annoyed," his daughter Kalpana Murkar told Rediff.com.

"Then, the whole day, he will sit just quiet and not talk to anyone."

The 79-year-old, despite ill-wealth, wakes up early every morning to watch the Indian team play in Australia, hoping to see his favourite protege get the elusive landmark, she revealed.

Tendulkar has now gone 17 Test innings and four One-Day Internationals without a century. His last hundred came in March last year, during a World Cup match against South Africa.

It seems the master batsman himself is feeling the pressure of the milestone. He met coach Achrekar before leaving for Australia last month in the hope that his blessings would work magic for him.

"Tendulkar invited my father [Achrekar] to his residence. He wanted to seek his blessings before the tough tour of Australia.

"He is sure that Tendulkar will get to his century soon; maybe, in the next match itself," Kalpana added.

Tendulkar's next opportunity will come in the third Test against Australia, starting at Perth on January 13. And, like his countless fans worldwide, even Achrekar is hoping he will give him some reason to celebrate with a match-winning century.