Take a bow Sachin

As the world bids adieu to the little master, I cannot help but marvel at what a profound effect Sachin has had on all of us. Every he time he walked in to bat, a nation united in awe to watch the magician weave his tricks. It was more than just Cricket for everyone when he batted. It didn't matter where you were from, what your religion was, what you did, rich or poor, old or young, you just  had to love Sachin.

I remember. It was 1998.India visited Sharjah for the Coca Cola cup. Two magnificent Tendulkar innings to single handedly win India the cup was enough to see off the Aussies. It was as if he out there to teach the world how to play cricket. He just blasted the Aussie bowlers all round the park. This series was probably the reason I started loving cricket. I am among the million kids who tried imitating him when walking on the street, who drank Boost just because it was the secret to Sachin's energy.

Then there was the Commonwealth Bank series in 2007-08 down under. Sachin was up to it again. You would think that Sharjah innings was enough to make him an all time great against the Aussies. But not for Sachin, as he added more feathers to his cap. The four that he hit against Brett Lee straight down the ground in the second final is still imprinted in my mind. The only thing that eluded Tendulkar was also conquered as he won the World Cup in 2011 at his home ground to add the cherry on top of the cake. He had practically achieved everything and sometimes he would make you wonder how much more a cricketer can achieve.

Now as you decide to quit the one-day format with just one short of fifty tons, I wish you could have played a few more years. But you probably know what's best. We will miss you Tendulkar. We will miss your humility, your sublime shots, your off breaks, the awkward adjustment of your pants when you walked in to bat. I am lucky to have grown up seeing you play cricket. I will look forward to every Test match that India plays now. Adieu little master.