I have always come in awe of the author every time I have read anything on Sachin. All articles seem to flow with elegance, grace, humility, compassion and completeness. Apparently, if Sachin is involved anywhere, things just cannot go wrong. As Hashim Amla, South African cricket famously quipped: “Nothing bad can happen to us if we’re on a plane in India with Sachin Tendulkar on it”.

Cricket as we have known is about to come to an end. I was 10 when Sachin made his debut and over the last 24 years, cricket to me, like to everyone my generation, has been synonymous with Sachin.

We’ve celebrated each of his fours and we’ve cried on his dismissals. It did not matter whether India won or lost as long as Sachin scored a century.

Yes, cricket is a team sport, but not for the audience when Sachin is involved. And this is not the case with just the supporters but even with the opposition. Hansie Cronje, South African captain once said that I had to remind Gary Kristen often that he was in the covers to field against Sachin not to applaud him.

Cricket is about to become just another game. Cricket as a religion might be taking the last walk this week. “I have seen God, he bats at no. 4 for India”, said Mathew Hayden. Haydos, wait on, you’ve got company. Even Lara thinks that he himself is a mere mortal but Sachin is a genius.

Even umpires, the ones enjoying the best view used to get engrossed when the master craftsman was at work. I never get tired when Sachin is at the crease, said Umpire Rudi Koertzen.

This is probably why Sachin was at the wrong end of a lot of cricketing decisions, but one can’t blame the umpire. It is tough being an umpire to Sachin as he is the only one working while the entire world has stopped their work to watch Sachin cut, drive, hook, pull, defend or just leave.

Teams have gone back feeling that they did not lose to a team called India, but lost to a man called Sachin. I know this entire article sounds blasphemy to team sport, but hello! we are talking about Sachin. Before this last series, Brian Lara said that I would want West Indies to win but Sachin to score.

“India me aap Prime Minister ko ek baar katghare me khada kar sakte hain. Par Sachin Tendulkar par ungli nahi utha Sakte.” – Navjot Singh Sidhu

Bollywood to Prime Ministers, Sachin will leave many a eyes wet. The great Amitabh Bachchhan acknowledged that he had delayed his shoots many times to watch Sachin bat.

When it comes to Sachin, even Manmohan Singh speaks. He says that it is an amazing achievement to play for the country for over two decades and still continue to be the team’s anchor. Sachin makes all of us so very proud. R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Borrowing a quote from Shahrukh Khan on Sachin: I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing us to breathe the same air as you do!

Please find some excuse to bat Sachin. Else how will my child grow up wanting to play cricket?