It just seems the dreaded moment is closing on with every passing day - the moment when the cricket grounds would not have the cherished presence of one Sachin Tendulkar.
First it was December 23 last year when Sachin jolted the world to a reality many were never ready for. After that fateful day when he announced retirement from ODIs, the IPl 6 final was chosen to be the one for the second one. Tendulkar now won't be seen playing in IPl.
And, the declaration this time indeed took all by surprise. "Colossal statement", was all Sanjay Manjrekar could term it when he casually started talking to Sachin after Mumbai Indians' 23-run title win over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday at Eden Gardens. Ricky Ponting, standing alongside, also could not believe if he had heard it right. Alas, he had and so did all the others.
A smiling Sachin was quite relaxed when he said that it was his last IPl, in fact laughing while being asked then and later to add to the statement. Whether it was that joy over winning another trophy or the sheer childish excitement at having shocked everyone, but the realisation that it's only Tests now where he would wield his willow is depressing.
Agreed, he is 40, the treatment he gives to the bowlers is not as humbling as it used to be and coming back from an injury has become a longer wait, still it is always nice to have him on the field or around it. Even if that meant sitting in the dugout for these last few Mumbai matches after he injured his left wrist almost a fortnight ago.
What's more excruciating is the fact that he didn't even tell the fans if he would at least play the Champions league T20, scheduled for October. If he doesn't, the wait to see him walk down the pitch to take his place in front of the wickets would continue till the year-end when India go visiting South Africa for a three-Test series.
ADAM GIlCHRIST
The former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman had almost bid adieu to the IPl in the fifth edition. But thanks heavens for making him stick around for another year. Else, how would the spectators and fans have rejoiced in that bowling, taking the wicket on the first ball and breaking into a dance mixIJ
Gilchrist said goodbye to the tournament for the second and final time after he led Kings XI Punjab to win against Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala on May 18. His side might have failed to advance to the play-offs but the end was anyway perfect with the team members taking him on a lap of honour on their shoulders to a standing ovation from the crowd.
RAHUl DRAVID
After quitting international cricket following a 17-year career, the former Indian skipper decided to hang his boots from the IPl and said that Champions league would be his last stint for Rajasthan Royals. In this season, the 41-year old showed form of yore, milking 471 runs and played a colossal role in leading Royals to third place finish. His reassuring presence helped the Jaipur-based outfit in the worst of times — when the spot-fixing scandal rocked the team. His new-found aggression as a leader, blending with those trademark and patent shots, made many feel that Dravid, if not in national jersey, will at least be watched in IPl. But, he will not be seen again in the IPl after shepherding many careers and making the team look the best once again after the 2008 edition.