End of an era: Sachin Tendulkar to retire from test cricket after 200th game
Debesh Mohanty
Daijiworld Media Network - Sports
Mumbai, Oct 10: Finally, the long-standing debate on Sachin Tendulkar's retirement has come to an end. The legend, 'God of Cricket' has himself disclosed to BCCI on Thusday October 10 that he would hang up his boots soon after playing the 200th test match against West Indies in Mumbai in December this year.
BCCI president N Srinivasan has confirmed to media that the cricket board received a call from Sachin Tendulkar to convey his decision.
BCCI has in a press release to media announced that Sachin Tendulkar would retire from test cricket. Sachin has already retired from ODIs and IPL and other form of T20 cricket.
Tendulkar stated in the press release, "All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years. It's hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it's all I have ever done since I was 11 years old. It's been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test Match on home soil, as I call it a day.
I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it's time! I thank my family for their patience and understanding. Most of all, I thank my fans and well-wishers who through their prayers and wishes have given me the strength to go out and perform at my best."
Tendulkar's last Twenty20 match was the Champions League T20 final where his team Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals to win the title.
BCCI president Narayaswami Srinivasan paid rich tributes to Tendulkar.
"I have been an ardent follower and admirer of Sachin Tendulkar from the days he came to play Buchi Babu in Chennai. He is without doubt the greatest cricketer India has produced. In fact, one should really say he ranks among the top of all-time great sports persons in the world," he said.
Srinivasan said Tendulkar has been a true ambassador of Indian cricket.
"No one has served Indian cricket as Sachin has. He has truly been an ambassador for India and Indian cricket. He has been an inspiration for generations of sportsmen not just cricketers. We respect his decision to retire although many of us can't imagine an Indian team without Sachin," he said.
The final match of the two-Test series against the West Indies starting Nov 14 will be Tendulkar's last. The match could be hosted in Tendulkar's home town Mumbai. The first Test is slated for Nov 6.
Cricketing world salutes Sachin
New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS): Current and former cricketers from all around the world saluted the achievements of Sachin Tendulkar after it was announced that the batting legend's 200th Test would be his last, ending his phenomenal career in all forms of international cricket.
"It is a sad day for Indian world cricket. But it is the right decision. It is loss for Test cricket in general. The commitment he has shown all these years is incredible. The amazing fact that he has been the same humble boy after achieving so much. I wish him well," World Cup winning Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga said.
Renowned umpire Dickie Bird said Tendulkar was the closest to how Don Bradman played.
"He was the nearest to play like Bradman. I cannot pay a higher compliment than that. I remember he played for Yorkshire at a very young age. He is one of all the time greats and someone who gave a lot of excitement to fans all around the world," said the Yorkshireman.
Asked what stood out about the master blaster, Bird said: "He picked line and length very quickly, let the ball come to him and played late. I could see he would make all sorts of records."
Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was Tendulkar's first captain in 1989 when India toured Pakistan, was shocked at the news.
"It is shocking that he will stop playing. Imagine a man who has played close to 200 Tests and scored 100 international hundreds. It is just incredible," said Srikkanth adding that Tendulkar's decision had nothing to do with his form.
Former Indian batsman Dilip Vengsarjar said: "He dominated bowlers in all part of the world. His record will be very difficult to beat."
The breaking news also had the Twitter world abuzz.
"One of the Greatest ever @sachin_rt is retiring... One of my heroes and a absolute joy to play against.. #BornToPlayCricket," wrote former England captain Michael Vaughan.
"Dean jones: Sachin Tendulkar is retiring from cricket on his 200 th Test v Windies #whataplayer," said former Australia batsman Dean Jones.
His compatriot Tom Moody said: "Time waits for know one as #Tendulkar prepares to say goodbye, been a privilege to play & coach against the little master one of the greats!"
"Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best Sachin," said his former India teammate Sanjay Manjrekar.