Thank You Sachin

The BCCI has been making the news of late for all the wrong reasons, their stubborn and bullying ways have again struck a cord in many, this time it was with the CSA who were forced to suspend their CEO, Haroon Lorgat due to a souring relationship between him and the BCCI. It's always a pity when politics interferes with sport but this post isn't one to mess around with the ugliness but rather to celebrate one of its biggest stars. 

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, at just age 16 he made his test début against neighbours and fiercest rivals Pakistan. From then on he went to mesmerise the world of cricket with his silky batting that saw him become one of, if not the greatest batsmen of this generation. During his career he managed to clock up over 15,000 test runs and 18,000 ODI's runs, which is an extraordinary achievement. He was feared by every bowler from around the world as he would find ways to pick them apart.The joy he brought to a nation of cricket mad enthusiasts, where the sport is more important than religion to some is unparalleled even till now. People idolised him and worshipped the ground he walked on but yet he stayed true to his roots and maintained that humbleness that won him many fans world over.

This week, 25 years later he stepped out to the test arena for the 200th time and the rate India are going about take apart the West Indies, it could very well be his last innings for India. At the fall of Vijay's wicket in the innings, never has an Indian crowd cheer so loudly not at the dismissal but for the arrival of the little master. Sachin received a standing ovation as he made his way down the the crease, I won't be surprised if there were some tears that were shed during that moment. The world of cricket was witnessing one of its greatest sons taking to the pitch for his last game. 

Coming back to the BCCI, they launched an online campaign on the social network twitter where supporters could tweet their messages to the out going player by using the hashtag #ThankYouSachin. It's received great support with millions of tweets coming through from all sorts of people all over the world. Just today as he made his way onto the crease, Mick Jagger of Rolling Stones sent out a tweet using the hashtag. The official BCCI website has a ticker to track how many tweets are coming through for the player so keep sending him your messages. There was also a way in which people could get personalised signed digigraph's of Sachin with various pictures. 

To close, they may be others that come but none will ever come close to what this man has achieved in cricket. His approach and humbleness throughout his career, the value he brought to a team besides his tremendous batting skills cannot be summed up into words. The cricket world is losing its little master, a legend that will live on in generations to come. 

Thank You Sachin.