Even for maestro Sachin Tendulkar it was a nervous moment while cutting the cake on his 40th birthday at the team hotel on Wednesday morning.
Clad in formals and with wife Anjali beside him, Tendulkar cut the cake and accepted the first piece offered by her.
“I have never been so tense while cutting a cake. Thank you everybody for this gesture. It is really touching,” Tendulkar gushed to an eager media.
Low-key event
It was a low-key event lasting around five minutes. Though the team’s media manager was present, none of his teammates were.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank all the people in India and across the world who are well-wishers of mine. They have supported me and showered unconditional love over the last 23 years. So it has been really special,” said Tendulkar.
Best opportunity
“It is because of their good wishes and prayers that I stand here in front of you after 23 years. I thought this was the best opportunity to thank each and everyone for every little thing they have done for me.
“So many people have made various sacrifices, fasting and praying when I was injured. I just want to say thank you, which, I believe is not enough. I would have personally liked to meet and thank them but it is not possible so I thought this was the best forum,” he said.
“On my way here, I met Anil Kumble who wished me ‘Happy birthday’ and told me ‘don’t worry, 40 is just a number.’ His words are sort of relieving,” the master batsman added.
