Sachin Tendulkar - How he fared on Day 1 of his last Test match

Sachin Tendulkar walks out to bat in his last Test

Everything was running smoothly, Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay were doing pretty well. Commentators always predicted that the way things were moving on, India was going to play for the whole day tomorrow and until lunch on the day after tomorrow, before declaring.

But this spicy, magical, unpredictable turnaround was the real thrill of this game called cricket. Two hurriedly executed shots and both our openers were gone (Murli Vijay – 43 and Shikhar Dhawan – 33).

Ultimately, the moment for which the whole world was waiting anxiously for arrived, and Sachin Tendulkar appeared to accompany Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara got inspired from Sachin’s presence and hit two boundaries.

The crowd was getting impatient as they just wanted Sachin to give them the pleasure of watching some classic batting. One could hear constant noise from all over the stadium as the crowd cheered for Sachin Tendulkar.

India still required 97 runs to draw level with the West Indies, even before Sachin faced his first ball. He managed to take a single on the same. Kapil Dev warned that the under this tremendous pressure, Sachin had to control his footwork in order to avoid getting LBW.

I might be wrong, but apparently stress was clearly visible on Sachin’s face. At least I hadn’t imagined that despite Team India being in a fairly comfortable position, a batsman would have to undergo so much of intense pressure like Sachin was facing at that time. I could see Aamir Khan sitting with Nita Ambani (holding the tricolour in their hands) and no spectator was sitting by the time Sachin took another single.

Both teams had given a befitted welcome to Sachin as he entered, standing in a line to cheer him. Meanwhile, a well left ball by Sachin depicted his confidence. Coach Ramanath Achrekar (on a wheelchair) and the family of Sachin were shown on the screen, and they were simply glad to attend his most memorable match.

The phone rang, and a diehard fan of Sachin (a friend of mine) asked my opinion whether Sachin would be able to put up till tomorrow morning. He said let us all pray for the same. The very first boundary from Sachin thrilled millions of viewers watching him from all over the world. Kapil Dev said that with this boundary, a little bit of pressure would have been released.

Another great drive by Sachin for four and the crowd got hysterical. Kapil Dev said that the biggest landmark achievement of Sachin is that today thousands of youngsters want to become like Sachin by following the path laid by him.

He also pointed out that a little chit chat by Pujara is really needed and useful for calming Sachin’s mind. Kapil also said that is heartening to note that even after giving services for more than 24 years, Sachin is still looking fit and fine.

It is more important to note that bowlers like Bhuvneshwar and Shami were not even born when Sachin started his career, and they are fortunate enough to have got a chance of a lifetime to play with this legend.

Sachin’s cricketing lifespan spread across 24 years – this is a result of his hard work, commitment, dedication and devotion. Sachin hit another brilliant boundary which compelled the whole stadium to cheer and clap for him.

Just then, the channel showed a result of a survey in which 71 % people opined that Sachin would hit a century in this match. Another brilliant four for Sachin and India reached a score of 109-2.

Sachin’s excellent performance was especially important because India had lost two wickets within 3 balls, and he joined Pujara at the crease under tremendous pressure. Sidhu said that this match is very vital as it would be forever remembered by all.

Another classic four by Sachin took India to a total of 134-2 in 27 overs, just 48 runs behind the 182 scored by West Indies in their 1st innings. Yet another boundary (square drive) kept the people on their heels and took India’s total to 140-2.

Sidhu Paji commented that Sachin was in full control of the game and was motivated by constant cheers by the crowd. People were looking very cheerful as they were waving all sorts of banners, posters and flags in order to show their full support. A beautiful poster caught my eye – it said “Do not disturb, stay calm, God is playing” which depicts the honour, love and regard people have for Sachin.

Kapil Dev said that Aamir khan was wearing his lucky T-shirt, and he hoped that his luck would not run out in the next 5 days. Sachin’s mother was also enjoying the match; perhaps she was praying for the success of her beloved son.

At the end of the day, Sachin was playing on 38 and this joyful journey will continue tomorrow with the one and only wish of billions of his fans being that the legend hits a century.