Sachin ends his career in International Test cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar bowed out of international cricket and in a fitting farewell to an emotional SRT, India beat West Indies by an innings and 126 runs in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium to clinch the series 2-0.
In his 200th Test match, the 40-year-old batting legend’s final day came 24 years and one day after his Test debut.
As the West Indies resumed the day at 43 for three in the second innings, trailing India by 270 runs, it was just a matter of when India got the job done. The West Indies were all out for 187, five more than their first innings score. Pragyan Ojha was the Man of the Match with five wickets in each innings.
The moment of truth came at 11.47 a.m. when Mohammed Shami knocked off the stumps of No.11 Shane Shillingford and the sizeable crowd at the Wankhede erupted in joy. Soon followed a sinking feeling that it will indeed be the last time Tendulkar will be seen at the Wankhede in an international match.
Tendulkar, 40, rushed from the deep, where he was fielding and grabbed the stumps. The full Indian team lined up on both sides of the pitch as Tendulkar walked down the track. He took off his hat and waved at the crowd, which was chanting his name.
For all it was a moment to remember even though Tendulkar has just turned a former India cricketer. It was the occasion to celebrate a 24-year career that touched many lives.
The giant screen flickered “legends never end” and the cameras soon panned on his family. His wife Anjali and daughter Sara were emotional. Son Arjun, who was a ball boy for the match, patted his elder sister Sara. They will now get to spend more time with their father.
Indian players formed a guard of honour for Tendulkar, who was presented with a host of awards in a lavish ceremony.
– with inputs from IANS
IANS
