Happy birthday! Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar said he could not believe he has turned 44 as he celebrated his birthday in front of thousands of adoring fans at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He cut a cake during the IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant as the stadium reverberated with chants of ‘happy birthday Sachin’. Tendulkar is currently MI’s mentor and he played for the franchise for six seasons from 2008 to 2013
24 April 2017 6:07 PM GMT
India's cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who turned 44 on Monday, was flooded with congratulatory messages from the cricketing fraternity across the globe.
Wishes poured in for Tendulkar, whose birthday will be celebrated by his former Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians later.
"Happy B'day Paaji. May God bless you with more happiness and peace in life. My cricket hero always," India skipper Virat Kohli tweeted.
India coach Anil Kumble wished the Master Blaster, tweeting "#HappyBirthdaySachin. One of the most inspiring sportsmen the world has seen. Hope you have a splendid year ahead @sachin_rt."
In his congratulatory message for Tendulkar, former India opener Virender Sehwag wrote: "To a man who could stop time in India, #HappyBirthday Sachin @sachin_rt."
Off-spinner R Ashwin quipped that April 24 could well be declared the 'Indian Cricket Day'. "Many more happy returns of the day @sachin_rt , April 24th should be marked as Indian cricket day. I was lucky to have played along side you," he tweeted.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir wrote: "@sachin_rt may God Almighty continue to smile on you. A very happy birthday paaji, have a blast. #HappyBirthdaySachin."
"Happy birthday paaji @sachin_rt lots of love and best wishes khush raho tandrust raho (be happy, be well)..we love you," off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote on his Twitter handle. "Special day, special person and special celebration. May all your dreams and desires come true. Happy birthday Sachin @sachin_rt," is what India pacer Umesh Yadav wrote in his greetings message.
"Happy B'day to a man who has touched an emotional chord with a billion people, a part of our lives forever, @sachin_rt#HappyBirthdaySachin," former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif wrote in his message.
Australia legend Adam Gilchrist also took to Twitter to wish the batting maestro. "Happy birthday @sachin_rt and @bowlologist," tweeted Australian wicket-keeping legend Adam Gilchrist.
Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke wrote: "Happy bday to the great @sachin_rt, 44 years young today. Hope you have a great day and year to come mate!" Promising batsman Rishabh Pant also wished Tendulkar on his birthday.
"Happy Birthday @sachin_rt sir. May keep inspiring millions like us for years to come," he tweeted.
Indian boxing star Vijender Singh also took to social media to wish the batting great on his 44th birthday.
"Happy birthday God of cricket & BharatRatna @sachin_rt sir ????#HappyBirthdaySachin," tweeted Vijender.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Happy Birthday @sachin_rt Wishing you and your family all the happiness."
Tendulkar amassed 34,357 runs in his 24-year career.
In ODIs, he has scored 18,426 while in Tests he has 15,921 runs to his credit.
After his retirement in 2013, Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna award and became a Rajya Sabha member. He also played in the IPL but stopped after the sixth season. Agencies
'I have seen God, he bats at No. 4 for India'
Top 10 quotes legends of world cricket have said about Sachin Tendulkar:
India's Sachin Tendulkar was widely regarded and revered by his cricketing peers as the greatest batsman since the Australian legend Donald Bradman. On his 44th birthday we take a look at the thoughts of all those legends who revealed their notions about Tendulkar:
I never saw myself play, but I feel that this feller is playing much the same as I used to play: Sir Donald Bradman
When you play against Sachin you almost want him to get a few runs just to see him bat: Mark Waugh
He has been a genius when it comes to ability, a Trojan when it comes to work ethic and manic when it comes to his focus: Sir Viv Richards
He can play that leg glance with a walking stick also: Waqar Younis
What he has done is set a benchmark for future generations which, probably, would be almost impossible for anyone to emulate: Rahul Dravid
Nothing bad can happen to us if we're on a plane in India with Sachin Tendulkar on it: Hashim Amla
I have seen God. He bats at number four for India: Matthew Hayden
Sachin is a genius. I'm a mere mortal: Brian Lara
There are two kind of batsmen in the world. One Sachin Tendulkar. Two all the others: Andy Flower
I am fortunate that I've to bowl at him only in the nets: Anil Kumble
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