Epilogue – Sachin Tendulkar ‘GOD’of Cricket- Thanks for all the Memories

Epilogue – Sachin Tendulkar ‘GOD’of Cricket- Thanks for all the Memories

·         "The world's greatest cricketer plays his last match...much to the disappointment of throngs of adoring fans," The magazine said of the 40-year-old, who will bid adieu to cricket after playing his 200th test currently being played against the West Indies in Mumbai.

·         "India's top cricket player, Sachin Tendulkar, is regarded one of the greatest batsman of all time. The only player to score 100 international centuries, Tendulkar leaves the sport as the greatest player of his generation," 'Time' said.

Another Time article said as the little Master plays his last Test match there is "as much a celebration of a great batsman as a poignant meditation on the vacuum he will leave behind." It said when Tendulkar's last match is over, "a nation will have to be content with its memories."

God of Cricket walks into the Sunshine – Back to the pavilion for the Last Time in his illustrious 24 years of Enchanting Cricket; What a glorious career he had .. The day he made his debut 15^th November 1989 and the last day as a batsman 15^th November 2013 – 24 Years of Cricket equivalent to 4 years of full time on the field.

24 years of Enchanting Cricket and memories which we can cherish for our whole life… We grow along with Tendulkar in those 24 years – what a growth; Watched the way he attacked in His initial years, the way he played ODI internationals – 200 runs the first man in the planet to score as Ravi Shastri exclaimed on Television, the way he dominated the Aussies , we can cherish all those 100 International Centuries , can’t tell which one is best; A true Legend!!! Even shone in the T20s Especially in IPL scoring more than 2700 runs, he shone in all forms of Cricket.. Yes Thank you Sachin..

It was a tensed morning, watching the God walking to the crease for one last time and never ever seen him doing one thing, which he did yesterday and today , touching the pitch , taking a pinch of the soil and touching his chest and did his bit of thanking to the pitch 22 yards of soil, which was his life for more than 30 years.. Which implies that the Cricket is what it is for him.. Really a touching tribute from the Great Master..

What an innings he played, it was vintage Tendulkar , taking us back to the early years , wherein he dominated the bowling.. Classy Cuts, Straight Drives, nudges, Drive through the covers – everything was there,, truly a vintage Tendulkar..

It was a mesmerising sight to watch the spectators praying, chanting, shouting for every ball, every appeal,, One defining moment when Tino Best ball, Tendulkar tried to Upper cut and a loud appeal – all the eyes were with the umpire Richard kettlebrough, he gave Not out – it was very good decision.. The came panned Anjali Tendulkar, her hands on the chest and when umpire says Not Out – she let out a huge sigh, what a relief .. Another moment after God reached 116^th Test Fifty, Anjali signing Tendulkar to play safe!!! What a sight!!! It was really magical.. His mother was praying all the time.. It was not only his family, the whole nation was praying that Sachin should play a long innings.. That is what Sachin to every person – no one has carried that emotion..

What a pressure he would have carried on his shoulders, one billion peoples expectations.. Man, he didn’t showed these today ,it would have been greater pressure than all the other innings he has played.. He didn’t carried or showed in the way he played.. He played freely, as MSD wished, Sachin truly enjoyed this Innings.. Once he reached the pavilion, Sachin showed how he should have played that delivery, he was smiling.. Wet tears all around, for a moment wankhede was stunned in silence, it was eerie, the spectators forgot to clap.. Then they realised ‘when the sign board showed – thanks Sachin for wonderful 24 years of Enjoyment’’ it was a standing ovation..

I was dreading that moment, I was praying that one over – first over after the break, let it go through GOD will score a century, our wish will come true.. But Alas, destiny was willed otherwise.. We cannot write our own script, isn’t it!!! It was really a heartbreaking moment.. As the God walks to the sunset, Game Continues, as it should be…  But cricket can never be the same!!! 

Thank you Sachin!!!! Thanks for Everything!!!! 24 years of Enjoyment, Happiness, Sorrow , Tears, Tension.. What not… God Bless!!!..