Batting mastero Sachin Tendulkar today astonished the world by announcing his retirement from international cricket after playing his 200th Test match. He is to play historical 200th test match against West Indies in November 18 either in Mumbai or in Kolkata.
“All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years. It’s hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it’s all I have ever done since I was 11 years old. It’s been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test match on home soil, as I call it a day,” Tendulkar said in his statement.
“I look forward to playing my 200th Test match on home soil, as I call it a day. I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it’s time! I thank my family for their patience and understanding. Most of all, I thank my fans and well-wishers who through their prayers and wishes have given me the strength to go out and perform at my best,” the 40-year-old little master added.
Tendulkar conveyed his decision to BCCI President N Srinivasan earlier in the day.
“I have been an ardent follower and admirer of Sachin Tendulkar from the days he came to play Buchi Babu in Chennai. He is without doubt the greatest cricketer India has produced. In fact, one should really say he ranks among the top of all-time great sportspersons in the world,” BCCI president N Srinivasan said.
“‘If you start your course with all your force, every source of nature will turn towards and help you, To achieve your true success’. This holds so true for one of our finest players, master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said.
After the announcement, the twitter flooded with reactions.
Commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote, “sachin, i’ll say this again : you were a great habit. i’ll live every moment of these last two games.”
Former Indian captain Bishan Singh Bedi said, “Sacho my heart reaches out 2 U Son! This moment had 2 come & V salute U fr yur comitment 2 Ind crkt!May U’ve all Peace & quiet n retirement!”
“What he has done is set a benchmark for future generations which, probably, would be almost impossible for anyone to emulate,” Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid said.
Former Indian team player Sanjay Manjrekar wrote, “Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best Sachin.”
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan twitted, “O no! Suddenly realised the meaning of addiction. Mine was the Master.I am going thru cold turkey. To see cricket without Sachin? Unbearable.”
After ruling Indian and World cricket for almost 24 years, ‘the god of the game’ has not only set all kind of new records, but he has taken it to a new high. So when today he calls it a day, we are sure the game of cricket will not be the same without our own special Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
