Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement remains one of the most poignant moments in cricket history. The sight of the Master Blaster bidding farewell, carried on the shoulders of his teammates, and offering one last salute to the pitch he graced for over two decades, left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. For 24 years, Tendulkar was the heart of Indian cricket, and his final match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium brought the curtains down on an unparalleled career.
A Farewell with a Special Wish
As Tendulkar prepared for his final two Test matches—his 199th at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and his 200th at Wankhede—he made a heartfelt request to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The cricket legend wanted his farewell match to be at his home ground, not for personal reasons but to fulfill a wish for his mother, Rajni Tendulkar.
“Before the series was announced, I contacted BCCI president Mr. Sreenivasan with one request: I wanted my last match to be in Mumbai so my mother could watch me play. In all these years—almost 30 of playing cricket—she had never seen me live in a stadium due to her health. Wankhede was the only venue she could attend, and I wanted her to see why I had been away from home for 24 years,” Tendulkar shared during a celebration marking 50 years of Wankhede Stadium.
BCCI honored his request, allowing his mother to witness her son’s final innings, making the farewell even more emotional for Tendulkar.
The Final Innings
On November 13, 2013, Tendulkar stepped onto the field at Wankhede for the last time. In a display of vintage batting, he scored a fluent 74, reminding fans of his prime. Although he missed out on a century, the stadium erupted in applause when he edged Narsingh Deonarine to the slips, marking the end of his illustrious career.
The moment became overwhelming for Tendulkar as the reality of his retirement set in. Adding to the emotional atmosphere, the stadium’s giant screens displayed close-ups of his family.
“When I went out to bat, I was already fighting emotions. The West Indies team and the crowd showed immense respect, and my eyes were moist. Then, just before the final over, the broadcasters began showing my mother, wife Anjali, and my children on the screen. I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment,” Tendulkar said.
He humorously added, “I wondered if the broadcast director had a West Indian passport because it felt like they were playing with my emotions!”
A Legacy Etched in Cricket History
Tendulkar’s farewell match was more than just the end of a career; it was a celebration of an era. His journey, marked by countless records and unmatched dedication, inspired generations of cricketers and fans. Reflecting on that day, Tendulkar acknowledged its emotional significance, not just for him but for everyone who had followed his career.
“That match was one of the most emotional moments of my life. It was the last time I would step onto the field in India’s colors. It’s something I will never forget,” Tendulkar concluded.
The Master Blaster’s final goodbye remains a testament to his impact on the game, cementing his status as one of cricket’s greatest legends.
