Can one become an admiration for a nation? Can one man find a place permanently in the hearts of a billion people? I often think that he might. But it is ephemeral. As soon as the person lost shine of his skills and talent, he no longer can maintain that admiration or fan following. But today, after watching the historic cricket match, I have come to know that my notions are a fallacy. Thousands of people thronged to Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium, rest of the nation was before the TV screens. Unlike the common matches, this one has marked something different bounded emotionally to the Indian cricket folk. This was the last match of the greatest batsman of his generation, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

For the past one week, I’ve been hearing only one word everywhere, be it in Media, Internet or Hangouts – “Sachin, Sachin and Sachin…” The whole nation has been eagerly waiting to capture those scintillating and riveting performances from his bat which would not appear in the future. And the master had lived up to the expectations. I wonder “What makes this man so special that puts him on par with the rest of the Cricketing world and the unrelenting praise he gets from a nation.” It is his perseverance, dedication and moreover his moral values as a human being. He maintained the same composure during times of hardships and the same during his heydays. He became a role model for the many.

For India, cricket means Sachin. You ask anybody from a child to an old man about cricket and the first word you can hear is Sachin. His aforesaid qualities have elevated him to that position and he always maintains them. There were times when people wanted to see his inclusion in the team despite his poor performances. They believed that his presence gave them a hope of winning, whether he scored a ton or a zero. He’d started cricket as his profession, religion, way of life and everything (“Cricket is Oxygen to me” said Sach). And today this man became Cricket. People find it hard to imagine the game without him. They are unable to believe that he is retiring. Already many has an expression, “Crickettt without Sachinnn?” Today, his emotional speech at the end of the match has made many to roll down the tears from their eyes including his. He couldn’t control his emotional attachment that he has with the sport and with the fans. I have just got impressed with his speech. From his Coach to Photographers, Family to Friends, he has thanked everyone who directly or indirectly involved in his cricket life.

We will always cherish the moments that you have presented, and, whether you play or not you will be in the hearts of a billion. India wishes you all the very best for your next innings of life. Thank you Great man for your 24 X 365 entertainment. Kudos SRT.

And as the display shows: LEGENDS NEVER RETIRE…