Video : Sachin Tendulkar Wishing Happy New Year to Fans

December 23,2012 (NDTV) :

After announcing retirement from one-day cricket, Sachin Tendulkar headed straight for hill station Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, where he is likely to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

Hours after the news about his retirement form ODIs broke, people were taken by surprise as the batting legend landed at the Jollygrant Airport on Sunday along with his wife Anajli, son Arjun and daughter Sara.

Congress MP Priya Dutt was also accompanying Tendulkar, who left straight for Mussoorie after landing at the airport, much to the disappointment of journalists present there.

Tendulkar arrived at a family friend Sanjay Narang's hotel named Rugby at Mussoorie at about six in the evening.

The legend used to visit Mussoorie along with family to celebrate Christmas and the new year until a few years ago but had not been able to do so due to his busy schedule for the last two years.

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Top 10 Sachin Tendulkar Moments of 2012

2012 is  not a great year according to the standards of Sachin Tendulkar, but it was a mixed feeling as the year ended with his retirement from ODI's, The year started with Sachin's super knock of 80 in SCG, and then he went on to become the First man  in the History of Cricket to score 100 Internaional hundreds. He was honoured by the Australian Government with "ORDER OF AUSTRALIA' for his contribution to world cricket. He was also made as a Rajya Sabha MP by Indian Government. Lets have a look at TOP 10 SACHIN TENDULKAR MOMENTS OF 2012.

1. SACHIN TENDULKAR’S ODI RETIREMENT :

A prodigal talent who went on to be revered as modern cricket's greatest batsman, Sachin Tendulkar on December 23 called time on his ODI career after over two decades of phenomenal feats which are unlikely to be replicated for years to come.A batsman who reminded the great Sir Donald Bradman of himself, Tendulkar bows out as international cricket's top run-scorer by quite a distance in ODIs. He will, however, continue to play Tests.

Complete Story & Tributes on Sachin’s Retirement See Here : http://goo.gl/OqxDW

2. CENTURY OF CENTURIES :

Sachin Tendulkar's incredible cricketing journey reached a momentous destination in Mirpur on March 16. The maestro became the first cricketer to notch up 100 international centuries when he scored 114 against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup ODI tournament.

Watch all 100 Centuries of Sachin Tendulkar Here : http://goo.gl/1ZOt4

Pic Gallery : All 100 Centuries of Sachin Tendulkar : http://goo.gl/QKcXP

3.ENTERED 24TH YEAR IN INTERNATIONAL YEAR:

Sachin Tendulkar completed 23 years in International cricket on November 15,2012.Tendulkar made his international debut against Pakistan on November 15, 1989 in the first Test at Karachi. He had scored 15 runs in that match.Since then he has scored 15533 runs in 190 Tests and 18426 runs in 463 ODIs. And while accumulating these runs, he went on to score 100 international centuries (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs).

4. SACHIN TENDULKAR’S LAST ODI INNINGS :

Sachin Tendulkar played his last ODI Innings vs Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2012. He scored 52 which included this upper cut for a six.

5. SACHIN TENDULKAR’S INNINGS VS CHENNAI SUPER KINGS :

Sachin Tendulkar scored 74 of 44 balls which included 11 boundaries and a six. It Turned out be the most exciting match of this years IPL.

6. SACHIN TENDULKAR NOMINATED AS RAJYA SABHA MEMBER :

Sachin Tendulkar took oath as a Rajya Sabha member in the chambers of RS Chairperson Hamid Ansari. Sachin is the first active sportsperson and cricketer to have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha under the Prominent Citizens Quota.

Check here for picture gallery of Sachin at Parliament : http://goo.gl/fuT7j

7. SACHIN TENDULKAR’S FIRST BALL SIXER AS A RAJYA SABHA MEMBER :

Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar has rejected residential bungalow opposite to AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi by the Central Government. Sachin who has sworn as Rajya Sabha member recently was allotted bungalow which consists of 5 bed rooms in 7000 sq yards with 50 security personnel but the little master does not want to take because he did not want to waste the Government amount. He said whenever parliament session starts he would come to New Delhi and stays in Hotel in stead of staying in bungalow.

8. SACHIN TENDULKAR PRESENTED WITH ORDER OF AUSTRALIA :

The Australian Government honoured Sachin Tendulkar with their “ORDER OF AUSTRALIA” Award.

Click here for the entire gallery : http://goo.gl/Wz2NT

9. SELFLESS ACT OF SACHIN TENDULKAR :

It was one of those moments in Bangalore that got overshadowed amid MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings' onslaught. Mumbai Indians were in pursuit of 188 runs to stay alive in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League against Chennai. Cruising at 47 for no loss in 4.5 overs they looked set to make the most of the fielding restrictions when disaster struck. Sachin Tendulkar played the ball to the off side and Dwayne Smith at the other end ran while the Little Master did not. The ball was thrown at the non-striker's end even as Smith and Sachin were stranded on the same side. And before the bails could be dislodged Sachin made a swift decision. He took a few steps forward to give up his wicket to keep Smith, who was looking in ominous form, alive.

10. SACHIN TENDULKAR IN WIMBLEDON ROYAL BOX :

India cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar and Australian pop star Kylie Minogue were in the Wimbledon Royal Box on Friday to watch the potentially epic semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.Tendulkar, who this week opted to sit out India's one-day series in Sri Lanka, was with wife Anjali.Minogue was accompanied by Spanish model boyfriend Andres Velencoso.Also in the Royal Box were former Wimbledon champions Rod Laver, Goran Ivanisevic and Manuel Santana.

Click Here For Complete Gallery : http://goo.gl/Xutlt

-- An Exclusive Compilation By Omgsachin.Blogspot.Com

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I enjoyed bowling to Sachin: Saqlain Mushtaq

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq said it was an honour playing against India batting great Sachin Tendulkar and he enjoyed bowling to the master blaster.

Mushtaq, who played his last international match in 2004, said the cricket world has suffered a huge loss with the retirement of Tendulkar.

"The world of One-Day cricket has suffered a huge loss with Sachin Tendulkar's retirement from one day internationals. There will never be another cricketer like Tendulkar. He's been at the top of the game for twenty three years which is simply amazing and the way he has conducted himself throughout his career has been exemplary and a lesson to all young cricketers around the world," Mushtaq was quoted as saying by PakPassion.net MOnday.

On playing against Tendulkar, Mushtaq said: "I feel honoured to have played cricket in an era when Tendulkar played. It's been an honour to have bowled to Sachin. I've dismissed him, been hit for four, hit for six by Sachin, beaten him with deliveries. He's out thought me at the crease and sometimes I've got the better of him and it's always been an absolute pleasure."

Mushtaq recalled the time he spent with Tendulkar in England.

"I've always got on very well with Sachin and when I was playing for Sussex alongside Mushtaq Ahmed, the touring Indian team was playing a three day match against the County. Most of the Indian squad had dinner at Mushtaq's house every night during that match and I was present too. We had a few great evenings with the Indian squad in Sussex, all sat on the floor eating and talking about past matches that we had played in and it was an honour to be in the company of Sachin, memories that I still cherish," he said.

On resumption of cricket ties between India and Paksitan, Mushtaq added: "It's fantastic news that India and Pakistan are on the verge of a limited overs series and I sincerely hope that this is the start of regular cricket between the two teams. There's nothing quite like the Indo-Pak cricketing rivalry. The Ashes is also a huge rivalry but I think India versus Pakistan is a bigger cricketing rivalry."

© IANS

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Words Not Enough to Describe about Sachin : Jayasurya

They have been fierce on-field competitors but like a true champion, former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya acknowledged that Sachin Tendulkar was a "true champion on and off the field."

"I don't have words to express Sachin's greatness. I have had good experience while playing against him for Sri Lanka and with him for Mumbai Indians (in IPL). Both have been wonderful experiences," the prolific opener told PTI Bhasha from Sri Lanka.

"Everyone knows that what a wonderful cricketer he is. He is a top class player. His most admirable quality is that he is very simple and humble man. He is a champion on and off the field. His behaviour is exemplary," said Jayasuriya.

Jayasuriya feels that Tendulkar's ability to handle success and failures makes him cut above the rest and something that aspiring cricketers should look upto.

"Despite being on the top of his career, the way he handled failures is commendable. Young cricketers can learn how he carried himself throughout his career."

Asked about the timing of his retirement from ODIs, Jayasuriya said that this is an individual's decision.

"Retirement is his decision. He might have thought that his time is over. It's a personal decision," he said.

While many think that Tendulkar's records will remain untouched, Jayasuriya begs to differ. "Records are meant to be broken. You never know there might be somebody who can break his batting records in future.

It will be good for the game," he said.

© PTI

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Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis salutes "special" Tendulkar

Famed Pakistan pace duo Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis on Monday, paid rich tribute to Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, labelling him "the greatest batsman of this era".

Tendulkar, 39, announced his retirement from one-day internationals on Sunday after scoring 18,426 runs in 463 matches with 49 centuries -- all three world records for most runs, matches and hundreds.

"I don't say that a batsman like him will not come but he was the greatest batsman of this era and to maintain the zeal and fitness for 23 years was a big achievement for him," said Waqar, who retired in 2004.

"I also feel proud that I played against him and found him a great player and a nice gentleman."

Wasim said Tendulkar's records spoke volumes about his achievements.

"It will be tough to match them in the years to come," Wasim told AFP. "He was a special talent and a very special cricketer."

Tendulkar made his Test debut against India's arch-rivals Pakistan in Karachi in 1989 and Wasim recalled mocking the young batsman with his bowling partner.

"Sachin was really 16 at the time when he came to Pakistan in 1989 and Waqar and I thought, 'What will this 16-year-old do against us?'" he said.

"I hit him on the mouth but he showed a lot of gumption and courage to score a fifty in the fourth Test in Sialkot and after that innings we realised that he is a special talent."

As the leading batsman for cricket-mad India, Tendulkar carried the weight of a nation's expectations on his shoulders, but Wasim said he handled the burden well.

"Sachin always played under a lot of pressure from the billions of Indian fans and the kind of consistency he showed proved that he handled those pressures and huge expectations admirably well," said Wasim.

© NDTV

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar with his Family at Mussoorie

After announcing retirement from one-day cricket, Sachin Tendulkar headed straight for hill station Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, where he is likely to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

Hours after the news about his retirement form ODIs broke, people were taken by surprise as the batting legend landed at the Jollygrant Airport on Sunday along with his wife Anajli, son Arjun and daughter Sara.

Congress MP Priya Dutt was also accompanying Tendulkar, who left straight for Mussoorie after landing at the airport, much to the disappointment of journalists present there.

Tendulkar arrived at a family friend Sanjay Narang's hotel named Rugby at Mussoorie at about six in the evening.

The legend used to visit Mussoorie along with family to celebrate Christmas and the new year until a few years ago but had not been able to do so due to his busy schedule for the last two years.(PTI)

©PTI

©Indian Express

©PTI

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Learnt a lot from Sachin Tendulkar,will Miss him : Dhoni

Terming Sachin Tendulkar's contribution to cricket as immense, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Monday said he had learnt a lot from the batting maestro.

"I learnt a lot from him whenever I got a chance to bat in the ODI (One-Day International) format. I think his contribution is immense and it will be difficult to replace him," Dhoni said a day after Sachin announced his retirement from ODIs in Mumbai on Sunday.

Admitting that the team would definitely miss the master blaster, Dhoni said it would be difficult to replace Sachin, who has been an inspiration for thousands of boys to take to the game and made youngsters learn a lot when they joined the team.

"We will also be very disappointed not to see Sachin score his 50th century and 100th half-century in the ODIs, as he had retired with a world record of 49 hundreds and 96 fifties," Dhoni said ahead of the first India-Pakistan T20 tie Tuesday at the Chinnaswamy stadium here.

Among the many things Dhoni and other players learnt from Sachin were how to prepare for each and every ODI, how to accept defeats and how to be humble in life.

"All these things helped me personally. It is good that Sachin is still playing in one of the formats (Tests) as there is plenty for youngsters to learn from him," Dhoni recalled.

Asked if he had thought of persuading Sachin to continue in the ODIs, Dhoni said he did not as retiring from the shorter version of the game was the little master's personal decision.

"No. It was his personal decision and we respect it," Dhoni added.

© NDTV

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Video : Ganguly & VVS Laxman Pay Tribute to Sachin Tendulkar

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar ranked the World Cup win as the best moment of his career and said that the Indian team should start the preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015.

Tendulkar, who announced his retirement from the One-Day Internationals on Sunday, said winning the World Cup was his dream and that he felt blessed to have fulfilled it in 2011. "I have decided to retire from the One-Day format of the game. I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup wining Indian team," he said.

Sourav Ganguly on Sachin’s ODI Retirement :

VVS Laxman on Sachin’s ODI Retirement :

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Words are not enough to sing Sachin Tendulkar's praise: Pakistan cricket team

The Pakistani players on Sunday fell short of words while describing Sachin Tendulkar's impact on world cricket and said the Indian batting legend will be missed sorely in One-day cricket following his retirement.

Tendulkar called it a day on his 23-year-old One-day career on the eve of the series against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir said he enjoyed bowling against Tendulkar because the margin of error was so slim that he could dispatch even good deliveries to the fence.

"In every cricketer's life there comes a day when he decides to hang up his shoes. Words are not enough to describe his achievements for India. He deserves highest of respects in world cricket," he said.

Tanvir wished luck to Sachin and hoped he would smash many more centuries for India in Test matches.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez said the players of his country feel sad that Tendulkar will not be seen on the field in ODIs.

"To be honest we (Pakistanis) will miss him and feel really sad that he will not play anymore international ODIs for India. I admire the man for his sheer domineering character. He rattled all kinds of bowlers around the world," Hafeez said.

"Sachin is a great entertainer of cricket and wish him good luck for the future," he added.

Another Pakistan quick bowler Umar Gul said the presence of Tendulkar in the India team has immensely contributed in nurturing young cricketers such as Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina.

"I am suer Virat and Raina have learnt a lot from the maestro," he said.

The young batting sensation Umar Amin said he would have loved to play against Tendulkar in the upcoming series.

"I played against India in 2010 Asia Cup, but unfortunately he wasn't there. I would like to say only one thing that if cricket is the religion then Sachin is God," Amin said.

© PTI

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Cricketers Pay Tribute to Sachin Tendulkar

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar ranked the World Cup win as the best moment of his career and said that the Indian team should start the preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015.

Tendulkar, who announced his retirement from the One-Day Internationals on Sunday, said winning the World Cup was his dream and that he felt blessed to have fulfilled it in 2011. "I have decided to retire from the One-Day format of the game. I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup wining Indian team," he said.

Cricketers tweet :

Ashwin : It was a privilege to play odi cricket with the greatest ever to have played this game.And I was privileged to be a part of his ultimate moment of winning the world cup at home.Sachin, here's wishing you all the best and may I say odi cricket will be poorer without you.

Yuvraj : Emotional time ! Letting sachin go from one dayers ! 18 thousand plus runs ur jaw drops when u c those records ,master u will always live ! In my heart and fellow indians! The pride of our country I salute to u for ur contribution to indian cricket @sachin_rt.

Raina : The reason for playing cricket. The reason for watching cricket. Sachin Tendulkar..... No words.. Love you Paji

Ojha : The pride of our country ,I salute you for ur contribution to indian cricket @sachin_rt".

KP : Statistics NEVER lie! They tell a very true story.. Well done Sachin! What an incredible ODI career.. #thebest

Amla : Conclusion of a sterling ODI career from a wonderful batsman. Congrats Sachin Tendulkar.

Harbhajan Singh : Sachin tendulkar a great batsman.great human being.a great friend.great man to look up 2.proud indian.Real son of india.I salute u nd love u

Rohit Sharma: My mentor my hero my friend and my reason for falling in love with the sport. Truly heartbroken,The mortal we call GOD he earned that tittle. I feel the luckiest person alive to know him and played alongside him,My favourite sachin tendulkar moment in Odi has to be getting an Odi cap from him in Ireland and (contd),Of course the crucial partnership we shared in Australia during the CB series final (which we won)

Damien Fleming : “Whats been best Sachin Tendulkar innings in ODI ?” His 134 v us in Sharjah final April 24 1998 #BirthdayBash #PeakSachin

Ravi Bopara : Well done to @sachin_rt on his amazing ODI career. Inspiration to millions if not billions. We will never see another Sachin in our lifetime

Jeremy Snape : #Sachin retires from ODI's as the grand master. He delivered under HUGE expectation, inspired a global generation + transcended the sport

R Petersen : What an ODI career by @sachin_rt !!!! A true legend.Congratulations on all that you've achieved and people you've inspired

Dean Jones : "Whats your favourite Sachin moment?” His hundred v Aust in Perth 1992.
"last test in Australia?” Sadly it was ! SRT played well.. He was just a kid!

Besides Narain Karthikeyan Tweets :
End of an era as @sachin_rt retires from one-dayers. Hats off to 23 years of cricketing genius!

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Greatful to all for the Love & Support : Sachin Tendulkar

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar ranked the World Cup win as the best moment of his career and said that the Indian team should start the preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015.

Tendulkar, who announced his retirement from the One-Day Internationals on Sunday, said winning the World Cup was his dream and that he felt blessed to have fulfilled it in 2011. "I have decided to retire from the One-Day format of the game. I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup wining Indian team," he said.

Tendulkar, who represented India in six World Cups, advised the Indian cricket team to start the process to defend the title. "The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest," he said.

"I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future. I am eternally grateful to all my well-wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years," he added.

© NDTV

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Sachin Tendulkar to play in ODIs against Pakistan and England, say reports

Sachin Tendulkar has intentions to play in the upcoming one-day series against arch rivals Pakistan and the subsequent series against England, a television channel claimed on Friday.

The channel claimed that Tendulkar, who was woefully out of form in the recent four-match Test series against England in which he averaged a poor 18.66, had a discussion with chief selector Sandeep Patil over his future.

The veteran batsman expressed his intentions to play in the ODI series against Pakistan and England and the selectors were willing to go by his plans, the channel said, quoting an unnamed source for the story.

Tendulkar has not played in too many ODI series since India's World Cup triumph in April last year.

The channel said he wants to play in the ODIs to regain form ahead of the high-profile Test series against Australia in February-March next year.

When contacted by PTI, chief selector Patil said his contract did not permit him to talk to the media on selection issues.

The channel talked to former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly on Tendulkar's decision to play in the ODIs.

"I am not surprised with that. It's good for him. If he needs to keep playing at the end of the Australia series, he needs to be in form and ODI are the best way for him to get in-form", Ganguly said.

"If he needs to continue, he needs to play all formats of the game and not have a start-stop career".

On the criticism about Tendulkar's form, Ganguly said "critics don't matter. It's what selectors think and BCCI think. Sachin is too big for everyone. What he has achieved is beyond everybody's reach. He has the ability and the right to call the shots", he said.

"I don't think any selector will ever ask him to retire or drop him. Don't know if its right or wrong. He will decide whichever way he wants to go", Ganguly said.

Ganguly said if Tendulkar has decided to play the Test series against Australia, taking part in the ODIs will help him to get back to form.

"If he has decided to play the Test series against Australia then I think the eight ODIs will help get back the confidence which is required to get runs. If you score runs you go with much better frame of mind into Test matches. If he does well in the one dayers it will help him do well in test matches", he pointed out.

"I think Mahendra Singh Dhoni from his inside knew that he (Sachin) would play against Australia being in the dressing room, being captain of the side you get to know even if its not spoken or no words are exchanged that this man is going to go on and I think it's not bad.

"It's about runs, performance and not names. He just hopes Tendulkar performs as he has done that in 23 years and hope for the best. Performing Sachin Tendulkar is an asset to every team", he added.

© PTI

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Sachin Tendulkar has helped me immensely: Rayudu

Ever since Ambati Rayudu started playing for Baroda about a couple of years ago, this stylish Hyderabad batsman's fortunes have been on an upswing. And after some fabulous performances for Baroda and a couple of great seasons for Team Mumbai in the IPL (Indian Premier League), the icing on the cake came when Rayudu was recently selected in the Indian team for the two T20 matches against England.

"I have been consistently doing well for Baroda and also in the IPL. So, I was hopeful that I would get selected sometime. I don't want to be under any pressure and want to cherish every moment with the Indian team. I have had my share of ups and downs but I never left hope even in the most difficult of times. I am very happy that I got this break," says Rayudu, who has waited for years for this moment.

Considered one of the most talented batsmen in the country, he was expected to don India colours at least eight years back. But circumstances (like his shifting to the Indian Cricket League) delayed his India debut and having finally got the opportunity, Rayudu doesn't want to look back.

"I am well prepared. As cricketers, this is what we live for! I just want to give it all that I have for my country." he says. Excerpts from a chat:

A LUCKY HUSBAND

"Today, cricketers have very hectic schedules but I am very lucky to have a really understanding and supportive wife. Thanks to her, I am always in a good space in my personal life and don't have to think about anything other than my game."

INTROVERT TO THE CORE

"Off the field, I have always been an introvert. I know that I have been involved in some heated exchanges on the field in the past and it's not something that I am very proud of. However, I am really passionate about the sport and there are moments when tempers go out of control. But I am now better at managing such situations!"

BEYOND CRICKET

"I am very passionate about photography and crazy about road trips. It helps that I and my wife have the same set of friends. We have been on some really memorable trips and the ones to Munar in Kerala and Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh really stand out. Also, I can sit through any kind of movie (laughs)!"

TENSE SITUATIONS?

"I love challenges thrown at me and enjoy close finishes (Rayudu had won a game with a last-ball six in the IPL). I have learnt a lot from Sachin Tendulkar on how to stay calm under pressure. He is a great human being and has helped me immensely with my game. It has been my privilege to be involved in some good partnerships with a legend like him in the IPL."

© TOI

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Crazy to stop playing for no reason: Viswanathan Anand tells Sachin Tendulkar

Struggling Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Monday received support from unexpected quarters with five-time world champion chess wizard Viswanathan Anand urging him to continue playing as long as he wanted.

"Criticism is fine, but if you still like playing it's crazy to stop for no reason. In sport there is no question that it favours young people in general. But I really want to play chess still," the 43-year-old Anand told reporters here at a promotional event.

"I am lucky to have the chance to play and I intend to use it. I imagine the same for him (Tendulkar)," India' first Grandmaster in 1988 said.

Terming 40 as just a number, Anand said it's funny when one is questioned about age.

"The first question people ask is when are you going to retire? And if both of you want to retire, can one of you retire... It's a little bit funny. In my case, I don't think there is any fundamental change from December 10, 2009 to December 11, 2010. But it seems to affect the way people see you," Anand, who turned 43 on December 11, said.

The chess wizard clubbed Tendulkar, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, tennis veteran Leander Paes as three top icons he had seen.

"In general I have seen a lot of Leander Paes... I might have started a few years earlier but Sachin and I have been there for quite a long time. Sourav was there for quite a good part there as well. I think most of our careers we share together," he said.

Asked whether age was a factor, he said, "I don't think the number 40 has any particular significance with chess. In chess, you definitely get more time."

"There is a certain wear and tear in physical sport. There are sports like football and tennis, where people would be amazed if you continue beyond 32-33."

However, Anand said he did not wish to play beyond 50.

"I think 50 is kind of a barrier. For me, I don't expect to be playing top chess when I am 60. But still there are a few years left. In the meantime, I want to enjoy as much as possible.

But Anand said he would like to win as many world titles as possible.

"I have not fixed any number to it. It's as many as they will let me in," he said with a smile.

But on a serious note he said he has a heavy schedule next year keeping in mind the next World Championship in 2013.

"I have a heavy schedule next year. I would want to play as many as possible. The candidates for the world championship will be selected in March and I will know who my opponent is," he said.

Recalling his match against Boris Gelfand, he said, "it was extremely draining. It was a huge workload that you put in for more than three months. But I don't think I am affected by it anymore. I was keen to play in Romania in June but it got postponed.

Asked for his views on the conflict between Indian Olympic Association and the International Olympic Committee, Anand hoped the impasse would be resolved with more than three years to go before the next Olympics.

"At the moment, we still have more than a couple of years to solve the problem, so I am not too concerned. The main thing is to do well at the Games. We should not lose focus, I hope the situation with the federation is sorted out. They will remain athletes irrespective of they represent under the flag or not," he said.

© PTI

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In Pics : Sachin Tendulkar During Day 1 of Nagpur Test vs England

NDTV.COM: It’s a match India must win, if only to save face and avoid humiliation – a Test series defeat at home after a 0-4 drubbing when on tour in England last year. So India versus England it was at the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground in Nagpur, but the highlight of the day was provided by the pitch – almost white, dry and starting to crack, making batting very difficult while not yet assisting the spinners much. So much so that though India, after being asked to field, picked up only five wickets, they would feel good after allowing England to score only 199 runs at a rate of 2.05.

©PTI

©PTI

©PTI

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In Pics : Sachin Tendulkar During India's Training Session at Nagpur

NDTV.COM : Down in the dumps after back-to-back defeats, India's under-fire cricketers will have to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and compete on equal footing against a confident England in the perform-or-perish fourth and final Test commencing on Thursday.

Trailing the buoyant visitors 1-2 in the rubber after being outplayed in the second and third encounters at Mumbai and Kolkata, the home players need to sort themselves out on several fronts to level the series at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha.

Under-performing senior players in the Indian line-up, including skipper Mehendra Singh Dhoni and veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar, are under severe pressure not only to lift the side with supreme personal efforts but also to save their careers after India's spineless displays at the Wankhede Stadium and the Eden Gardens.

©PTI

©PTI

©PTI

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Sachin is the best man to have in the side : Dhoni

Well aware of Sachin Tendulkar's penchant for proving his detractors "wrong", Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday advised everyone to stop speculating about the senior batsman's future in international cricket.

"When it comes to Sachin I feel the best thing to do is not to speculate. He has proved everybody wrong throughout his career. But I am not Sachin Tendulkar, may be when he comes for pc (press conference) you will have to ask him," Dhoni said.

The skipper was addressing the media a day ahead of the fourth and final Test against England.

Dhoni was of the opinion that Tendulkar's mere presence in a crisis situation like this is important from the team's point of view.

"He's the best man to have in the side in a game like this. The kind of experience he has and the kind of performances he has come up with over the years... he is someone we all look up to," Dhoni said.

Tendulkar has averaged 25 in 2012 and his innings of 76 at Calcutta against England was his first Test half century since January 3.

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Sachin Tendulkar’s Facebook Page a Blockbuster Hit

Over two years after making his debut on Twitter, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar joined Facebook on September 9,2012. The Little Master's Facebook page is currently with 8.6 Million likes. Sachin Tendulkar's Facebook page is maintained by a Gurgaon based company Seven3Rockers. The page is also chronicles Tendulkar's cricketing career and lists his major achievements.

Tendulkar welcomed his fans to a Facebook page with a video message :

Hello friends,

I'll like to welcome you to my facebook family. As a child I always dreamt of playing cricket for India and I chased my dream of winning the World Cup for 22 years. It wouldn't have been possible without your support. I wanna take this opportunity to thank all of you for having prayed for me and wish well for me. I look forward to sharing my experience with you, join me on my facebook so that we both can share this experience and go through this journey together.

SCREENSHOT OF SACHIN TENDULKAR’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE :

FACEBOOK PAGE LINK : http://www.facebook.com/SachinTendulkar

GET TO KNOW ABOUT SACHIN TENDULKAR’S CRICKETING JOURNEY IN SINGLE CLICK :

The great part about this facebook page is you can get to know about complete journey of Sachin Tendulkar’s cricketing journey. FROM 1973-2012* COMPLETE TIMELINE AVAILABLE.

Talk With Sachin Tendulkar Live :

Sachin Tendulkar provided his fans a Golden Oppurtunity to speak live with him. On November 8,2012 More than 10 fans got chance to speak with the master himself, A Special Event was created on Facebook Named “TALK TO ME LIVE-SACHIN TENDULKAR”

Event Link : http://goo.gl/0rcR2

Event screenshot :

Sachin Tendulkar talking to fans LIVE on 5100100 - Recording (8-Nov-2012)

RARE PICS :

Sachin Tendulkar keeps sharing rare pics in his page,have you ever heard about facebook likes getting into news,here is what happened on september 18,2012.

NEWS IN NDTV.COM : Over two years after making his debut on Twitter, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar joined Facebook on September 9,2012. The Little Master's Facebook page is currently with 8.5 Million likes. Sachin Tendulkar's Facebook page is maintained by a Gurgaon based company Seven3Rockers. The page is also chronicles Tendulkar's cricketing career and lists his major achievements . One of the photographs of batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has got 47,415 likes on his Facebook page after he uploaded it on Monday.

The photo has Sachin standing at the edge of a railing at the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad with the caption reading, "Enjoying the view at Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad."

With in six hours of uploading the photo it got 39,262 likes and was shared by 1942 people. The photo has also received 2,808 comments. SCREENSHOTS OF NDTV NEWS



MOST RECENT PIC SHARED BY SACHIN TENDULKAR :

To Conclude “as a Tendulkar Fan if you are a regular visitor of Facebook just Visit Facebook.com/SachinTendulkar If not you are really Missing Something”.

SACHIN TENDULKAR’S FACEBOOK PAGE A “BLOCKBUSTER HIT”

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Why Blame Sachin alone For India’s Defeats : Sourav Ganguly

INTERVIEW WAS GIVEN BEFORE THE START OF EDEN GARDENS TEST MATCH. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday said that the media should refrain from criticising Sachin Tendulkar who is likely to play his last Test at the Eden Gardens starting Wednesday.
 
Post Ricky Ponting's retirement, there has been talks that Tendulkar should also follow suit, but Ganguly thinks otherwise.
 
"The retirement of Ricky Ponting does not mean that Tendulkar should also quit. We all hope he goes with his with his head held high. The problem with Tendulkar is that people always look at his negative sides. Nobody talks about his centuries and the wins he has given us," Ganguly told during a promotional event of STAR CRICKET's Hindi commentary panel.
 
Wishing Tendulkar luck ahead of his probable last Test at Eden, Ganguly said it's important for him to get past 30-mark.
 
"It will be important for him to cross the 30-mark. If he gets past the mark, I'm sure he will go on to make it big at the Eden Gardens. Yes, he is 39 plus and is going through a slump in form but we all hope he gets back to runs soon."
 
Sharing the same platform, Navjot Singh Sidhu criticised media for talking too much about Tendulkar as he cited example of the Australian side supporting Mark Taylor during the former skipper's bad form.
 
Sidhu said: "Media should stop criticising Sachin. Nobody has achieved what Tendulkar has. He is our pride (shaan)."
 
"We should need to respect our heroes. He is an institution in himself. But there are some legless men who are trying to teach him how to run. I remember Australia skipper Mark Taylor going a poor run and did not have a 50 for one and half years but Australia stuck to him. Taylor later went on to score a triple century."
 
Sidhu said change is not always the progress and the likes of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara need a Sachin Tendulkar in the dressing room.
 

"We have no Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman... We cannot make wholesale changes, it has to be a mixture. The likes of Kohlis and Pujaras need one Tendulkar and a solid captain in the dressing room."
 
Harbhajan Singh hasn't been in the best of form but Ganguly feels that the senior off-spinner is going through a learning curve.
 
"Harbhajan Singh is only 31 and has time left in him. He has to be patient. No player goes on improving, such lows do come..."
 
"I had gone through for five-six months. For Bhajji, it's for a bit longer. More than 15 months or so. But he has to see it as a learning curve. To be patient is important. It would only brings the best out of you."
 
There were also talks about MS Dhoni's defensive captaincy and his string of poor shows in the longer version, as Kapil Dev said: "He is still the best wicketkeeper we have seen. His records speak for himself.
 
"Like Sachin Tendulkar, we should give some more chance.
 
He has the ability to make it big."

© Cricketcountry

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Nobody good enough even to tie Sachin Tendulkar’s shoelaces : Ravi Shastri

“Forget what some people may say... Right now, there’s nobody good enough even to tie Sachin Tendulkar’s shoelaces... I rest my case there,” former India captain and cricket manager Ravi Shastri told The Telegraph.

Speaking on Wednesday evening, after the opening day’s play in the third Test, Shastri added: “Of course, the team needs Sachin... There’s no replacement... There’s none to take his place... Take out his 76 and where would the team have been today (Wednesday)?"

“In the context of this Test and possibly the series (tied 1-1), Sachin played a very important innings... He’d been under pressure on multiple fronts, but that’s bound to happen at this stage in his career. In fact, the pressure won’t get less..."

“Sachin took his time to settle down and, once he was past 40 or so, the fluency was back... It was important for him to be out there and to soak the pressure... He did so.”

For the record, the 76 is only Sachin’s second fifty at the highest level this year — the first being 80 in the second innings of the year-launching Test at the SCG.

Making the point that the Eden wicket was somewhat two-paced, Shastri said that the addition of 50-60 runs to India’s close-of-play total of 273 for seven would be “very handy.”

“James Anderson (three for 68) was brilliant, particularly after lunch, when the ball reversed... Looking ahead, everything depends on how we bowl... It’s definitely not a wicket where you can roll England over,” Shastri signed off.

Eyebrows, meanwhile, have been raised at Gautam Gambhir’s comments during his interaction with the media.

“You have to take responsibility, rather than thinking I’m only seven or 10 Tests old... For me, when you’re representing the country, you have to deliver,” Gambhir maintained, talking about the middle-order.

What’s being asked is if Gambhir had Virat Kohli in mind. Kohli has been totally out of touch in the ongoing series.

The Eden Test is Kohli’s 13th.

Cheteshwar Pujara, playing his eighth Test, couldn’t have been the ‘target’ as he’s in form.

Surely, Gambhir didn’t have Sachin or Virender Sehwag or Yuvraj Singh in mind.

© Yahoo

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In Pictures : Sachin Tendulkar in action during day 3 of Eden Test

India are still only second favourites to win in Kolkata, but as modern captains say, MS Dhoni can take a few positives from the third day of the third Test. England finished Thursday (December 7) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 509 for 6 — a lead of 193 — after Alastair Cook made a silly error to be run out for 190. The ball turned, giving the Indian spinners well-deserved wickets late in the day. And, more importantly, a smidgeon of hope for the fourth innings.
Scorecard

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Sourav Ganguly praises Sachin Tendulkar for gutsy knock

Lauding master batsman Sachin Tendulkar for a "gutsy" innings on day one of the Eden Gardens cricket Test against England, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday said that the knock would give him the platform to play well in subsequent essays.

"Tendulkar may not have got a hundred, but he played well. It may not be one of his most fluent knocks, but it was a gutsy innings," said Ganguly.

Tendulkar struck 76, his first half century since an early January Test match against Australia at Sidney.

"The knock shows he is regaining confidence," he said.

However, Ganguly said while English spinners posed no problems for Tendulkar, he could have played the fast bowling better.

"He did not use his feet well to play (pacer) James Anderson," he said.

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