Sachin Tendulkar, after a prominent career, retired at the Mumbai stadium in Wankhede in 2013. The stage was set in the home ground of the highest run scorer ever in Test match cricket against the West Indies, and he scored a 74-run innings. The batter at the other end was Cheteshwar Pujara, when Tendulkar walked into the crease at 2-77, with the West Indies cricketers giving Sachin a guard of honour as he walked down the stairs of the dressing room and the crowd on their feet with the loudest of cheers, chanting the little master’s name. It was easy to get caught up in the moment with the emotion of the occasion; however, Pujara, who scored a ton in the innings, spoke on The Idea Exchange with The Indian Express, recalling what the conversations were between himself and Tendulkar during their 144-run stand.
“There was a full house at the Wankhede. I was there at the crease when Sachin paaji walked in to bat, and that was the loudest cheer I’ve ever heard on a cricket field. India only batted once in that Test, and I was there throughout his innings. I was overwhelmed with all the accolades he was getting,” Pujara said.
“I was a little nervous as well because I had to focus on my game. I had to concentrate, which was tough. When he was trying to say something, I couldn’t hear what he was saying. So I asked him if he could speak a bit louder. He told me that we’ll try to be in our zone, focus on the game and build a partnership. We did, and I am proud of the fact I was the only batter who batted with him in his last Test match. His guidance has been very valuable in my cricketing journey,” he added.
Tendulkar scored 15,921 runs in his Test career at an average of 53.78. He scored 51 Test tons and 68 half-centuries in his illustrious career. Earlier in the month, Pujara himself announced his retirement from the Indian colours. The former Indian number three in 103 Tests scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60. He scored 19 tons in his career and 35 half-centuries.
