India legend Sachin Tendulkar said it was “hard to believe a wonderful
journey” had ended as he bowed out of international cricket in Mumbai.
In his 200th Test match, the 40-year-old batting icon’s final action
came 24 years and one day after his Test debut.
He bowled two overs but did not bat again as West Indies capitulated
for 187 to lose by an innings and 126 runs.
India players formed a guard of honour for Tendulkar, who was
presented with a host of awards in a lavish ceremony.
Revered throughout his distinguished career, a clearly emotional
Tendulkar told a packed Wankhede Stadium: “My life between 22 yards
for [more than] 22 years. It’s hard to believe that wonderful journey
is coming to end.
“It’s getting a little difficult to talk but I’ll manage. The most
important person in my life, and I’ve missed him a lot since he passed
away in 1999, is my father, without his guidance I don’t think I’d be
standing in front of you.”
Tendulkar, who was dismissed for 74 in what proved to be his final
Test innings on Friday, addressed his devoted fans in an on-field
speech exceeding 20 minutes.
“When [captain] MS Dhoni presented me with the 200th Test match cap on
day one I had a brief message for the team, I would like to repeat
that,” he told a mesmerised audience.
“I just feel that all of us are so, so fortunate and proud to be part
of the Indian cricket team.
“Knowing all of you guys, I know you will continue to serve the nation
in the right spirit, the right values.
“I believe we have been the lucky ones. We have been chosen by the
almighty to serve this wonderful sport.
“Each generation gets this opportunity to merely take care of the
sport and to serve it to the best of our ability.
“I have full faith in you that you will continue to serve the nation
in the right spirit, to the best of your ability, and bring all the
laurels to your country.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) paid tribute to Tendulkar, who
played in 664 international matches, scored 34,357 runs and made 100
centuries.
Chief executive David Richardson, who played for South Africa against
Tendulkar in the 1990s, said: “He was an exceptional cricketer who
earned the utmost respect of his peers, team-mates, opponents and fans
all over the world through his talent, performances and fierce
competitiveness.
“Sporting geniuses like Sachin are rare phenomenons and we are
privileged to have seen him in action. On behalf of the ICC and the
entire cricketing family, I thank Sachin for his unprecedented
services to our sport and we wish him well in the future.”
The Windies began day three on 43-3, 270 runs from making India bat
again, but faint hopes of a second innings for Tendulkar were thwarted
as the tourists capitulated again and were all out before lunch.
It was the second successive innings victory for India, and their
comprehensive 2-0 series victory lifts them above England into second
place in the Test rankings.
We are using some archive pictures for this Test because several photo
agencies have been barred from the ground following a dispute with the
Board of Control for Cricket in India, while other agencies have
withdrawn their photographers in protest. – BBC Sport
