I know, when I get up in the morning, things will not be the same
for me. Sachin Tendulkar will not be playing ODI cricket anymore.
I know you have been playing cricket since the time I
was born, but how does it matter? Why couldn't you just kept playing Sachin?
Why don't you understand that watching you bat, bowl
or field gives me much greater a thrill than a last ball finish. The fervor
with which you play the game is admirable. The simplicity with which you
conduct yourself on and off the field makes me idolize you. You
amplify my patriotism for the country. You have been and will remain the
definition of passion for me since I started watching and playing cricket.
From here on, I don’t know how I would cope-up with these young
sportsmen abusing each other while playing the gentleman’s game. They don’t
even smile these days when they take a catch, rather they frown. I don’t know
why. I’ll probably check the score once in a while to keep a track of how your team is doing.
Sachin, even if you had to retire, you could have given me a
chance to see you in colored jersey for one last time in the coming ODI series
against Pakistan. I will miss the standing ovation which you were supposed to
get every time you came out to bat. I will miss the applause every
time you touched the ball. I would have loved to savor those
moments for a long-long time. You did not give me a chance to do that. I am upset.
I know you have not been self-centered in your career as you have
been accused of. But today, I would like to confess something. I have been
selfish instead. At times, I did not care if India wins or loses; I just wanted you
to do well. I did not care when wickets kept falling at the opposite end, I just
wanted you to stay.
I will miss catching up a match in the middle and asking these
two questions: ‘score?’ and ‘is Sachin still batting?’
In a while a lot of
space will be flooded with the news of Sachin Tendulkar retiring from ODI
cricket. We will get enough expert comments going for and against the decision.
The selectors will aim to find a replacement, but how do I explain them, that
you are irreplaceable.
For me, you will never retire, although watching cricket will never be the same again.
I still don't believe you Sachin..
