I still don't believe you, Sachin.

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..

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