Going forward, perhaps one will get to hear the chant Sachin… Sachin even in the corridors of ICC Hall of Fame.
Rahul Dravid has made it here already. Brian Lara was inducted earlier than the maestro.
And finally, there comes the occasion we’ve all waited for: the ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar has finally been placed among a firmament of all-time greats.
For a batsman who carried upon his shoulders the weight of expectations of billions and for years together, what might have been a better fruit of labor other than being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame?
The only man to hit 100 hundred, score in excess of 15900 Test runs and amass a staggering 35000 runs in international cricket- Sachin Tendulkar- it could be said, has made it where he should have a while back.
India’s prolific batsman was inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame alongside Australian legend Cathryn Fitzpatrick and South African paceman Allan Donald.
The Selfless Sachin Tendulkar
On the momentous occasion, the little master took to the dais and shared, “It is an honor to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, which cherishes the contribution of cricketers over generations. They have all contributed to the popularity and growth of the game and I am happy I have done my bit.”
But ever a selfless man, Sachin didn’t waste any second before remembering those whose contributions he held paramount in making him the man he is, “On this occasion, I would like to thank all of those who were by my side over a long international career; My parents, brother Ajit and wife Anjali have been the pillars of strength on this journey.”
Long before any of modern cricket’s dazzling stars even debuted in international cricket- Ponting, Brain Lara, Sangakkara, Kallis, Anwar, Warne, Kohli, Lee- Sachin Tendulkar was already facing a volley of disturbingly quick deliveries from the likes of Waqar and Wasim.
No batsman before him constructed a tower of 100 centuries and none might in the times to come. Similarly, no batsman has transgressed geographies in a manner Sachin Tendulkar has, compelling none other than the Don of Cricket to admit that he saw in the Mumbai bat a reflection of himself.
If that’s not a confirmation of a legendary status then what might suffice?
And it could be said, in a lifetime dedicated to the very highest annals of the game, Sachin did more than just score runs; inspiring generations to pick the cricket bat and prompting hundreds of thousands to sing praises of the great game, whether through the pen or from behind the mic.
Take a bow, Sachin Tendulkar. You entertained from the 22 yards. And you inspire even when off it.