One has rarely seen the emotional as well as philosophical side of Sachin Tendulkar in all these years but the maestro said that he was “talking to the pitch” as he touched it one last time after his farewell Test against the West Indies got over.
“I knew that I will never ever in my life get to do that. That’s where my life started and whatever I have today. Those 22 yards are like temple to me. When I touched the wicket and took its blessings -- main jab wicket se baat kar rahaa thaa, tab thoda emotional ho gaya tha. Mujhe khayal aaya ki ki kabhi wapas nahi aa paaonga (I was speaking to the pitch and I got emotional. I realized, I was never going to come back). But yes, it was a correct decision,” Tendulkar told mediapersons in Mumbai on Sunday.
Tendulkar also said he didn’t want people to see tears in his eyes.
“As I stood between those 22 yards in packed stadium, I knew this was the last time that I am here as a part of any Indian team. I knew that I will never have a cricket bat in my hand. I couldn’t control tears. It was a wonderful moment and it happened very fast. It’s hard to express in words as to how I felt at that moment.”
There was a bit of silence in the room before someone asked whether one should fix the word ‘Sir’ infront of Sachin Tendulkar, he joked, “Mera sir (head in hindi) is at the right place.”
Asked whether a bit of sheen has been taken out of that retirement as West Indies side couldn’t even put up a proper fight, Tendulkar said: “Please understand that West Indies is a world class side but this sport is a great leveller. There has been occasions when we haven’t fared well. But they are terrific side but some times things don’t work out well.”
