Even after so many years of watching him there, I can’t believe I am still so crazy when it comes to our Master Blaster. Such is the ardor for him that I skipped my breakfast, left early for office, just so I could make there on time and catch sight of the Little Master making his way into the ground for the second last time.

It’s not just me, I bet there are millions of cricket crazy fans just like me. I guess they don’t say ‘the God of Cricket’ for no reason.

Since childhood, sports for me implied cricket. Taking a break from studies meant playing gully cricket. And watching international cricket matches was also part of my routine. Sachin was the reason I used to watch cricket matches. As soon as he left the 22 yard, I used to turn off the TV. His 186* against New Zealand, his scintillating batting in the ’03 world cup to take India to the finals and the most recent ones – 200* against SA, 175 against Australia – all the knocks are still so fresh in my mind.

I can’t believe that I also advocated for his retirement. But now when it is actually befalling, it kind of feels bad. Even though he hasn’t made many appearances on the field for India after the World Cup, but there was serenity of mind and heart that he is there and he’ll be back. But now that he has officially announced his retirement from all the formats of the game, I don’t know who to cheer for and who to be mad about. Cricket will never be the same without him.

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar u will surely be missed ?