Keep aside the scams, the fluctuating rupee and the trading of punches between the Congress and the BJP, for a moment. It was an extraordinary day of emotions to watch Sachin Tendulkar play his 200th and final Test. Everyone on the field — including the umpires and the West Indies' players — presented a ‘guard of honour' as the master blaster walked in briskly to take strike for possibly the last time for the country. The crowd cheered lustily. And, what a scintillating innings he played!
One can give any name to that moment, but its worth will not be any less. Tendulkar has not only enriched cricket in his career spawning more than two decades but also been a rock-like presence in the Indian team, guiding and motivating younger players to do their best. Many senior and junior players have acknowledged that they sought Tendulkar's guidance whenever they faced issues with their game. There will be others who will say the same. Sachin Tendulkar is irreplaceable.