Mumbai. 25 April 2012: When success lies in every corner of your life, ’what next’ becomes the most-asked question? And it’s nothing different for Tendulkar, who perhaps is the biggest victim of demands in this cricket crazy world. But his never-ending supply of runs has met those demands incessantly for 23 years, and now when he stands maybe just a year short of good-bye, he too is being asked, "What next?"
Let’s make it simple as he enters the 40th year of a life lived more for others than himself. Let’s spare this day from putting expectations on his shoulders – something he never refused to take and we never stopped giving. Let’s just simply say ’Happy Birthday, Sachin Tendulkar – the inspirational cricket legend and feel the relief he enjoys on his special day, with nothing left to be achieved and nothing left to be conquered, just the love for the game keeping him going.
Tendulkar is possessive about the game; his fans are possessive about him. While he can’t imagine himself not playing cricket, his fans can’t imagine an Indian team without him. But that’s Tendulkar all through these years in cricket, Tendulkar has always wanted to be in the thick of cricket action, and not much has changed in that respect. So because of that love and attachment with the game, it’s best to leave it to Tendulkar.
We just wish Sachin Tendulkar peace, tranquility and continuing success in whatever he goes on to do in the rest of his life.