For many cricket fans around the world, especially those in India, cricket will never be the same again as one of the game’s most legendary players, Sachin Tendulkar, has finally called it a day. Tendulkar played his last professional game on Saturday against the West Indies where he was given a grand send-off by his teammates and his fans alike.
Watching Sachin Tendulkar play for the very last time wasn’t just a historical moment for the cricketing world but also an emotional one. He has brought the entire India together. He has only increased the cricket madness in an already cricket-crazy nation.
Also called “The Little Master”, Sachin started his career at the age of 16 and made his first century in 1990 at the age of 17. There are many firsts that Sachin gave India and that’s why he is often referred to by his countrymen as a living legend. He has had the most runs in a career – 15,921 in Test Matches and 18,426 in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He has also had the most hundreds by one player.
He scored 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in ODIs.
To have dominated the cricket arena for 24 years speaks volumes of his passion for the game and his dedication. Perhaps his biggest achievement is the impact he has had in inspiring young Indians to take up the game and to reach for greatness. He is a true role model for the younger generation not only for his cricketing exploits but also for his conduct off the field.
Paying tribute, former West Indies captain Richie Richardson puts it this way: “There are not enough words to describe the contribution he has made to Indian, and world, cricket. I had no doubt when I first saw Sachin, I knew that he will become great. The greatest thing I admire about Sachin is that he has achieved so much, yet he remains so humble. He is such a nice person, nothing has gone to his head, he’s always smiling, always friendly, loves people and to me that is the sign of a remarkable human being.”
Fellow cricketing superstars Brian Lara and Shane Warne flew to Mumbai to honour Tendulkar, with the latter generous in praise of his former rival. “We played against each other for 20 years, but away from the cricket he’s very humble, very softly spoken,” said Warne, a champion legspin bowler.
“As a cricketer, he was the best batsman I ever played against. You can look at his skills and his numbers, but it was the way he did it, with the expectation of a nation. The way he handled himself on and off the field, he was a real credit to the game, himself, and India. Everyone will miss him. I don’t think the bowlers will miss him, but the world of cricket will miss him,” Warne added.
Sachin’s legacy will no doubt inspire and motivate the younger generation, not only in India but in other parts of the world, including the West Indies, that nothing is impossible in this great sport. It would be helpful if they watch the videos and learn how he was able to adjust his technique and style to the changing times and trends in cricket. That said, technique is paramount in batting but mental strength and a strong will is far more important and Tendulkar has always displayed these qualities.
Sporting geniuses like Sachin are rare phenomena. He is indeed one of the finest examples of sportsmen the world has seen with love for the game, humility, integrity, honesty, and pure unbridled talent. We in the Caribbean are proud of his achievements.
As Richardson puts it: “When Sunil Gavaskar played, he was a king in the Caribbean. Sachin is always a massive king in the Caribbean… Sachin is a hero and the entire Caribbean is celebrating his achievements as well.”
