The Real Don

Last week the cricketing world came to a standstill, as the most prolific batsmen of the modern era bid adieu to the game, his passion for over a quarter century.
It was a tearful speech. The nation was tearful. A handful of naysayers were still unhappy and questioned the dilly in the event. Some even said that he should've quit an year or two ago
To me, he has been a true hero. An iconic role model epitomising dedication, sincerity, humility and devotion to his work.
A man, with so much of wealth & popularity right from the teenages and yet approaching the game with a fresh mind everytime for the last quarter century.
He stood tall among the debris of various scandals that hit the game
He was the sole reason why millions wanted their children to seriously consider Cricket as a career
Incidentally, it was due to him only that I became obsessed with cricket to maniacal levels
I cried bitterly when his 136 was not enough and we lost by 12 runs . Not because he could have done more, but because our tail was incompetent to complement the great man.
I was awestruck when he returned a day after the funeral of his dad, his role model.
I was furious when Mike Denness punished him for no fault of his, when Mike Procter didn't trust his words during monkygate, when Chappell questioned his commitment, when the naysayers hunted for his head and didn't henconsider the fact that HE deserved to leave on his terms.... be did everything for Indian cricket..Undoubtedly, Pujara, Kohli, Dhoni, wouldn't have picked up the willow had he not been an inspiration !!
He is the heart of Indian cricket. 1983. 1985,2007 may not havehis contribution, Kapil,Sunil gavaskar might be bigger but he is the one who will be worshipped forever.....
Miss You Sachin!!#ThankYouSachin