True to form, from "galli" cricket, Sachin made it to the Indian cricket team nets in 1989. Now that’s what I call talent.  Baba Ranchoddas bikul sahi kehte the "Bachche, kabil bano kabil, kamyabi to jhak maarke peeche bhagegi!"  (To get the meaning of "jhak maarke" you in all probability might have to refer to Chatur’s muthr-visarjan translation dictionary).  Let’s give some acclaim to Nestle as well, for Boost was the secret of his energy.

Sachin’s voyage over 22 years is not mysterious to cricket lovers. The 16-year old ordinary school-boy from Mumbai has matured to become a sporting marvel. Today, his stats speak volumes. Even at the age of 37, the master blaster has spark in his eyes, blaze in his attitude, and immense revere for the game.  Unquestionably, Sachin is the greatest cricketer ever. Not only because he has 97 international centuries under his belt, but for he has been a genuine gentleman. Have a fleeting look, and you’d certainly recognize what I mean.  Sachin has remained untainted in a game mottled by unruliness, match-fixing and other hullabaloos.  Media often covers the little master but for reasons that should matter, cricket alone.  

Beyond doubt, Sachin has taken the art of batting to an ultimate level. However, Sachin skeptics continue to exist. There has been no end to the debate whether Sachin is the greatest of all. Let’s keep late Sir Don Bradman out of this for the moment, for it would be foolish to compare two greats of the game who played in different eras.  Other new-fangled nominee put forward these days is Ricky Pointing, no matter this Aussi skipper is currently playing like Greg Chappel’s elderly careworn grandma.  Mr. Imran Khan has time and again bargained for Inzamam. That’s more comical, so no comments there. Importantly, apart from rating Sachin as the best batsman, Sir Don Bradman stated the master blaster is one who was the closest to his own technique and style of play. Enough said.  There’s much more beyond Ponting, Inzy, Lara, Richards and Kallis, which starts and ends with Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Even Rajnikant would find it tough to surpass the little master’s feat.

 Sachin has been a grand emissary of the game. It remains uncertain whether he would be awarded the Bharat Ratna. However, his countless fans all over the globe will always recognize him as a simple and modest boy from Mumbai who made India proud and selflessly played a game that he cherished and lived for.

If Sachin continues to chart blockbusters after the World Cup this year, I'd love to do another short review then.