Sachin Tendulkar's emmotional message at the end of his career ;
"Friends please settle down, I'll get more
emotional! It's hard to believe my wonderful
journey is coming to an end. I've a list of names
to thank. The first is my father, who passed away
in 1999. Without his guidance I wouldn't be
standing in front of you. he said 'chase your
dreams, don't give up, the path will be difficult.' I
miss him today. My mom, I don't know how she
managed a naughty child like me. She just prayed
and prayed from the day I started playing the
game. For four years I stayed with my uncle and
aunt when in school, they treated me like their
own son. My eldest brother Nitin doesn't like to
talk ,much but he said, whatever you do, I know
you will give 100%. My first cricket bat was
presented to me by my sister Savita. She still
continues to fast while I bat. Ajit my brother - We
have lived this dream together, he sacrificed his
career for me, he took me to Achrekar sir first.
Even last night he called me to discuss my
dismissal. Even when I'm not playing we will still
be discussing technique. If that hadn't happened,
I would have been a lesser cricketer.
"The most beautiful thing happened to me when
I met Anjali in 1990. I know that being a doctor
there was a big career in front of her. But she
decides that I should continue playing and she
took care of the children. Thanks for bearing with
me for all the nonsense I've said (Anjali wipes
tears). Then the two precious diamonds of my life
Sara and Arjun. I've missed out on several
birthdays, holidays. I know for 14-16 years I've
not spent enough time with you. But I promise
you I will spend the next 16.
"My inlaws - I've discussed several things with
them. The most important thing they did was
allow me to marry Anjali. In the last 24 years my
friends have made terrific contributions. They
have been with me while I was stressed. They
have been with me even at 3am when I was
injured. Thanks for being there for me.
"My career started when I was 11. I was
extremely delighted to see Achrekar sir in the
stands. I used to ride on his scooter and play two
matches a day. Sir took me along to make sure I
played. On a lighter note, Sir never said 'well
played' because he didn't want me to be
complacent. You can push your luck now, Sir,
since I'm not playing cricker anymore.
"I started my career here in Mumbai. I remember
landing from NZ at 4am and playing a Ranji game
the next day. The BCCI was fantastic from my
debut. Thanks to the selectors. You were right
with me making sure my treatment was taken
care of.
"Thanks to all the senior cricketers who have
played with me. We see on the screen Rahul, VVS,
Sourav, Anil who is not here. All the coaches. I
know when MS presented the 200th Test cap, I
had a message to the team - I said we are all so
proud to be representing the nation. I hope to
continue to serve the nation with dignity. I have
full faith that you will serve the country in the
right spirit.
I will be failing in my duty if I didn't thank the
doctors who have kept me fit. Given the injuries I
have suffered. They have treated me in odd
hours.
My dear friend the late Mark Mascarenhas. I miss
him. My current management team WSG, for
continuing what Mark has done. Someone who
has worked closely with me for 14 years is my
friend Vinay Nayudu.
"The media has backed me a lot, since my school
days. Even today. Thank you. Thanks to the
photographers for capturing those moments.
"I know my speech has become long. I want to
thank people who have flown in from different
parts of the world. I want to thank my fans from
the bottom of my heart. "Sachin, Sachin" will
reverberate in my years till I stop
breathing." (Followed by loud cheers).
The crowd wants more. Sachin has handed back
the mic. We haven't seen the last of him here
surely.
Sudhir Kumar Gautam, by far his biggest fan,
waves the tri-colour. Sachin may not have
mentioned his name, but he holds a special place
in his heart, you can be sure.
Sachin gets together for a huddle with his family.
I'm sure he is preparing for a lap of honour
around Wankhede.
And the walk start. Sachin waves the tricolour, his
wife and kids next to him and his team-mates
behind. It's a leisurely walk but the
photographers are clamoring in front of him. It's
an army.
Now the special moment. Kohli and Dhoni haul
him up on their shoulders! He continues to wave
the flag. Memories of April 2, 2011, when India
lifted the World Cup right here at the Wankhede.
The entourage slowly complete the lap. The
chants of "Saachiin Saachiin" will never cease.
The lap's done. Sachin's back on his feet. People
surround him. If you look closely, somewhere in
the middle you might spot him. Small in stature
maybe, but he has the cricket world at his feet now.
He walks across to the pitch and bends and
touches it, one last time.
