Sachin Tendulkar addressed the press conference in Mumbai for one final time as an Indian cricketer. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
On the decision to retire and the body unable to take the load: I got that feeling, because after 24… Read More
On the decision to retire and the body unable to take the load: I got that feeling, because after 24 years, you have to appreciate. I had many injuries, not easy to overcome. You reach a stage when your body gives you a message, enough of this physical load. The body requires rest. The body is not able to take more load consistently. If I had to do a training session, it had become an effort.
Read LessLife as a cricketer: Cricket has been my life, it is oxygen to me. In 40 years, at least 30 years I … Read More
Life as a cricketer: Cricket has been my life, it is oxygen to me. In 40 years, at least 30 years I have played proper cricket. 75% of my life has been cricket, so there will be some association with the game, maybe not in the immediate future. Still, it is only 24 hours since my retirement.When I requested BCCI to keep the last match in Mumbai, since my mother had never seen me play enough one ball live, I wanted it to be a surprise for her that I’m making this arrangement, but thanks to you, she came to know about it in advance.
Read LessOn winning the Bharat Ratna: As a child, you don't understand life. When you grow up, you realise al… Read More
On winning the Bharat Ratna: As a child, you don’t understand life. When you grow up, you realise all these things. It is not just for my mother, not just my mother, but there are millions and millions of mothers in India who sacrifice many things for their children. I would like to share my award with them.I’m humbled and honoured to be given the Bharat Ratna.
Read LessOn helping the young cricketers: Even before I retired, I have spend time with youngsters from U-19 … Read More
On helping the young cricketers: Even before I retired, I have spend time with youngsters from U-19 teams, Ranji side. I like to interact with them. It also teaches you more about the game, I will continue to do so, may not be publicly. I would like to help the youngsters, the next generation. (Photo: PTI)
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On touching the pitch: When I touched the pitch, it was an emotional moment. When I thought of retirement, I was not that emotional. I became emotional the way the players gave me a send off. I became emotional when I was talking to the wicket.
On the first day after retirement: When I woke up this morning at 6.50 am in the morning, I realized… Read More
On the first day after retirement: When I woke up this morning at 6.50 am in the morning, I realized I didn’t need to quickly have a shower and go for a play. I made myself a cup of tea and enjoyed breakfast with my wife. I enjoyed a relaxed morning. A lot of guys sent me their best wishes, I spent a lot of time thanking them. Morning was relaxed, and then here I am in front of you.
Read LessOn his brother Ajit: It was a dream that we lived together. I was representing the country and Ajit…. Read More
On his brother Ajit: It was a dream that we lived together. I was representing the country and Ajit. It’s difficult to put into words what he has done for me. Yesterday, he was emotional but wasn’t showing it to me. At the same time, he was also relieved and relaxed. because the way I retired and the way people responded, you can’t plan it. That’s decided by God and I pray to God that he showed me a day after which I cannot ask for anymore. Ajit had the same feeling. We didn’t talk too much but from whatever we spoke, he was relieved that everything had happened well. (Photo: AFP)
Read LessOn his family: The beauty about my family was that they never lost my balance, whether I scored a hu… Read More
On his family: The beauty about my family was that they never lost my balance, whether I scored a hundred or 15-20, my parents always had a word of encouragement. Nobody got carried about my good performances or bad, like all Indian families we just bought a packet of sweets and offered it to the Almighty. My mother presented sweets to God yesterday as well. Their reaction when I returned home from any tournament was never related to my performance.
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