The PMO too couldn’t have timed naming Tendulkar as recipient of the next Bharat Ratna award any better. Tendulkar (40), along with eminent scientist CNR Rao (89), both recipients of Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour, now join a list of 41 eminent personalities to get the award in recognition of exceptional service of the highest order since it was instituted in 1954. Tendulkar is the first sportsperson to be named for the Bharat Ratna.
The PMO described Tendulkar as a living legend who inspired millions across the globe. ‘During the last 24 years, since the young age of 16, Tendulkar has played cricket across the world and won laurels for our country,’ said a statement issued by PMO. Rao is the head of the Scientific Advisory Council of PM Manmohan Singh.
Coming back to the memorable Test, at exactly 11.47 am on Saturday, Tendulkar bid a tearful adieu to international cricket after a fairytale career lasting exactly 24 years and one day in which he played 200 Tests, 463 ODIs and a lone T20, scoring 34,357 international runs. Interestingly, Tendulkar also rightfully won all his farewell matches, be it any format including Ranji Trophy, IPL or CLT20.
Sadly, a mere 25,000 were in attendance at Wankhede to witness one of the most poignant moments in the history of cricket as the last West Indian wicket fell. The maestro, who rarely lets emotions show on his face, broke down after being presented a souvenir stump by his teammates. Wiping tears, he trudged back to the dressing room but not before acknowledging the fans and shaking hands with the opposition cricketers.
The 40-year-old icon struggled to keep his emotions in check while delivering his farewell speech in front of cheering fans. ‘My life between 22 yards for 24 years, it is hard to believe that the wonderful journey is coming to end. I would take this opportunity to thank all those people who have played an important role in my life,’ said Tendulkar as the crowd went into raptures at the end of each sentence.
‘All my friends, settle down and let me talk, or I will get more emotional. It is getting difficult to talk but I will manage,’ Tendulkar added before thanking his family, coaches, teammates, friends and fans.
After the speech, Tendulkar took a lap of honour. The TV crew tried to catch each and every contour of Tendulkar’s facial expressions before MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli hoisted him on their shoulders. The master was seen waving the tri-colour as he acknowledged his emotionally-overwhelmed fans.
He came back to the ground one last time and touched the 22-yard strip with his hands as a mark of respect. His family was with him throughout and they were also vociferously cheered by the crowd. It was one moment where emotions were difficult to control.
Commenting on the memorable occasion, India captain MD Dhoni said, ‘I think it’s the biggest match in the cricketing history. It’s something we won’t witness again. Thank you Sachin for being such a role model for all of us. Not only as a cricketer, but the way he has led his life, he is a role model for all.’
Everyone knew the moment would arrive on Saturday but will vouch for their lives that they didn’t want it ever to arrive. Cricket was indeed lucky to have an enduring phenomenon like Tendulkar. Not a single misplaced word, never a hint of trouble on or off the field, not even a moment of embarrassment, Tendulkar displayed sage-like qualities despite being the most scrutinised cricketer of his era, showing a restless young generation just how to handle fame and pressure.
For a generation that grew up during 80s and 90s, it was difficult to live a life and not love Sachin Tendulkar. For those of the earlier generation, it was difficult not to compare with him their hero Sunil Gavaskar. There were some great players like VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble but they were all supporting actors in the great saga called Indian cricket as there was only one hero, that five 5’5 man from Bandra.
Simply put, there won’t be another Sachin Tendulkar. They don’t make cricketers like him anymore.