Sachin Tendulkar's first Test appearance: In which year did he make his Test debut for India?

Introduction / Context:
Sachin Tendulkar’s debut year is a foundational data point for cricket GK. He started as a prodigious teenager and went on to have one of the longest, most productive careers in international cricket history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Athlete: Sachin Tendulkar.
• Ask: Year of Test debut.
• Era: Late 1980s to early 1990s options provided.

Concept / Approach:
Tendulkar debuted as a 16-year-old in a Test series against Pakistan. That historic fact pins the answer to the calendar year 1989, often confused with his early 1990s milestones in England and Australia.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Official Test caps lists, series archives, and biographies unanimously note 1989 as Tendulkar’s Test debut year versus Pakistan.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 1986: Too early relative to his age and domestic build-up.
• 1990 / 1991: Years of prominent overseas tours and knocks, but not his debut.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing debut year with first century year, or conflating ODI and Test timelines. Always separate formats and series when recalling debut facts.

Final Answer:
1989