Tendulkar thankful for support 16 November 2013 10:12 An emotional Sachin Tendulkar paid warm tribute to those who have influenced his career after bowing out of Test cricket in Mumbai. Tendulkar, comfortably the leading run-scorer in the international game, did not get a chance to bat for a second time in his 200th and final Test as West Indies subsided to 187 all out, handing India victory by an innings and 126 runs. With his glittering 24-year stint as an India player having come to an end, Tendulkar addressed his home crowd and took time in expressing gratitude to several relatives. My life between 22 yards in the 24 years - its hard to believe that wonderful journey is coming to an end, said the 40-year-old. I would like to thank all the people who have helped me in my life to get here. After thanking his late father, who passed away in 1999, mother, wife and numerous other family members, Tendulkar highlighted the significance of Ajit, one of his elder brothers, introducing him to coach Ramakant Achrekar. We lived this dream together. He (Ajit) was the one who sacrificed his career for my cricket; he spotted the spark in me, Tendulkar continued. It all started from the age of 11 when he took me to (Ramakant) Achrekar sir, my coach - and from then on my life changed. Youll find this hard to believe, but even last night he (Achrekar) called me and we were discussing my (first-innings) dismissal, knowing there was a remote chance of batting again. (When I was younger) sir would be taking me all over Mumbai to ensure that I get enough match practice. On a lighter note, in the last 29 years sir has never ever said ‘well played’ to me, because he thought I would get complacent and stop working hard. Maybe he can push his luck and praise me now because there are no more matches in my life. Tendulkars former team-mates were also praised and the Little Master had a message to those who will continue to represent India in his absence. I just feel that all of us are so, so fortunate and proud to be part of the Indian cricket team and serving the nation, he said. I believe we have been the lucky ones to be chosen by the Almighty to serve this sport. Each generation gets this opportunity to take care of this sport and serve it to the best of our ability. I have full faith in you to continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and to the best of your ability, to bring all the laurels to the country. All the very best. Tendulkar brought his speech to a close with a message to his adoring supporters, who had sung his name repeatedly throughout this weeks Test. I want to thank all the people who have flown in from various parts of the world and supported me endlessly, whether I scored a zero or 100 plus. Your support was so dear to me and it meant a lot to me, he added. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and also say that time has flown by rather quickly. The memories that you have left with me will always be with me forever and ever, especially (cries of) Sachin, Sachin. That will reverberate in my ears until I stop breathing..
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 17:24:21 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015