Goodbye Sachin... Thank you God...

As an ardent Sachin Tendulkar fan, I have lived through many delightful moments over the last 20 years or so. I started following cricket when Tendulkar was already four years into international cricket. I still remember the evening with my family watching the Hero Cup Semi-final match between India and South Africa. This was 1993, and South Africa had just come back to mainstream cricket after the apartheid, while India was taking baby steps towards becoming a cricketing super power (at least off-field!). The match was poised for a tantalizing finish, and South Africa needed 5 or 6 odd runs from 6 balls to complete a memorable victory. No Indian bowler had the courage to pick up the ball from the Indian Captain. It was precisely then, when Tendulkar stepped up, and almost snatched the ball from Azhar (Indian Skipper), and the rest as they say is history. India had won the match. And I started to admire Tendulkar… I had become a fan of the legend. Tendulkar had already won millions of admirers by then. Though, I did not know then that the man I just watched bowl the last over was already a phenomenon in cricketing circles, and was touted as the next big thing in cricket.

A lot has been written about him, a lot has been analyzed about his cricketing skills and techniques (perhaps the most analyzed cricketer ever). Nevertheless, as the great man bows out of the game, which he loves so dearly, I am tempted to reminisce Tendulkar’s greatness. He will not be a part of any Indian cricket team after 18th November 2013, but he will forever be a part of cricketing folklore as a boy wonder, and a boy who just wanted and loved to play the game of cricket. Period.

What will I dearly miss? The straight drive, the upper cut, the whip through the on-side, the off-drive, the back-foot punch... the list is endless. I will miss his mannerisms, his joyful face on the fall of an opposition wicket, his name on the Indian scorecard, or the "Sachiiin, Sachin" chants whenever he comes out to bat. For me the joy of watching cricket is watching Tendulkar in full- or half-flow. Some of his innings (and the things / events associated with them) are etched out in my mind – the 143 in Sharjah in 1998 (the next day in school we made our English teacher describe the innings, as we could not witness it live... But I have seen the re-telecast many a times later. I even once tried to record the commentary of that match in a tape recorder... I still remember the late Tony Greig screaming “What a player; What a wonderful player”); the 176 versus West Indies in Eden Gardens in 2002 (it was a particularly cold morning in Kolkata, and until the hundred I had done nothing. My mother was red-faced with anger...); the 200 versus South Africa in 2010 (the whole cafeteria in office was roaring. Never had I seen such raucous crowd in a professional setting... I bet it will never happen again...); the 98 versus Pakistan in 2003 World Cup (After a delightful square drive Robin Jackman just said “Ah!” and a long pause); the 115 versus Australia in 1999... There had been many instances when I had moved away from the TV set, or switched it off when Tendulkar had got out. At times I had criticized him in public, but in my heart I had a faith in him, like I have in God, which made me believe that he will somehow overcome every criticism, every cynic... Everything.

To me Tendulkar stands for belief, for hope, which inspires me. I remember watching some of the videos or during live matches when he would get standing ovation – my eyes would get moist (at times I have even shed a tear or two...Against Kenya, when he made 140, after he returned from his dad’s funeral; against Australia during the 2011 tour when the Australian crowds at all the venues would stand up to welcome him or when he departed...)

What is that which I like about Tendulkar so much? For me the clincher is his tremendous work ethic, his artisan-like approach to hone his skills, which is already God gifted. And above all his passion for the game. He is supremely talented, yet so humble and works so hard. I think that sets him apart. Sports (including cricket) has been blessed with tremendous talents... But none can match Tendulkar. I am sure none would have the approach of Tendulkar towards the game of cricket, for which he is like God-send. One may argue that with Tendulkar’s talent it is evident that Tendulkar would be Tendulkar. But the biggest point, which is often missed here, is that talent can open the first door, but it will not open the last. And success is not about winning the battle; it’s about winning the war.

There has been legends before and there will be many in future, not only in cricket but across many human disciplines – be it sports, science, medicine, technology... But there would not be a Tendulkar. Never. He has taught Indians to dream, to shatter the shackles and break-free... He has carried the burden of a nation on his shoulders since his teenage years... He has united the whole of India... which probably no politician or a national leader could possibly envision. When in full flow he could make India stop. Literally... He has been an institution of perfection, abstinence and above all he is as clean as a whistle.

Over the years, I always used to calculate how long would he play? How long would I be able to enjoy Tendulkar? I often used to tell myself – another 10 years (when he was around 30).... then it gradually came down to 5 years, to 3 years, and to 1 year. But I always wanted him to continue forever. Like a utopian speculation, I always believed he can defy age, and continue to play for another ten years. If not all the formats, at least test cricket. And now he stands at the cusp of saying GOODBYE for the final time. Another 5 days, may be 4, may be 3... Who knows? He will depart the cricket field, but his legacy will live forever. For many more years. Light years.