Finally, the moment came on 16 Nov 2013 which his fans did not want ever to happen, but happened, when Sachin Tendulkar retired from international cricket after playing his 200th and final Test. Here is the full text of his speech:
All my friends, settle down let me talk, I’ll get more and more emotional. It is hard to believe my life between 22 yards in the last 24 years is coming to an end. I would like to thank all the people who have helped me in my life to get here. I have a list in my hand; please forgive me if I miss out on a few names.
First, I want to thank the most important person in my life, my father, who left me in 1999. Without his guidance I wouldn’t be standing in front of you. He said “chase your dreams, don’t give up, the path will be difficult”. I miss him today.
My mother, I don’t how she dealt with such a naughty like guy me. She took care of me to be healthy. She started praying for me even before I started my career and I think those prayers gave my strength.
In my school days, I used to stay with my uncle and aunt as my school was far away. They treated me like their son. They gave me enough food that I can play well.
My eldest brother Nitin, he used to tell me, I know you’d do everything right and I have the confidence in you.
My first cricket bat was presented to me by my sister Savita. A Kashmir Willow bat. She continues to fast when I bat.
Ajit (brother), I don’t what do I say about him. It all started from the age of 11, he took to Ramakant Achrekar sir my coach. And my life changed. Even last night, Ajit called me and we were discussing my dismissal. Various things we agreed upon, my technique. I have had a lot of chat with him. If I had not done that, I would have been a lesser cricketer.
The most beautiful thing happened to me when I met Anjali in 1990. I know that being a doctor there was a big career in front of her. But she decided that I should continue playing and took care of the children. Thanks for bearing with me for all the nonsense I’ve said. Thank you for all that you have done and it is the best partnership I have had in my life.
Then Sara and Arjun who are two precious diamonds in my life. Daughter is 16 and son is 14, time has flown by. I wasn’t able to be with them for the birthdays, annual days and sports days. Thanks for understanding all that, both of you have been so special to me. I’ve not spent enough time with you but I promise you the rest of 16 years and beyond is for you.
My in-laws (Annabelle and Anand Mehta) have been supporting. I discuss various things with them; we have a strong family and thank you for allowing me to marry Anjali.
There have been a lot of friends who have supported me. Leaving their work and coming to bowl at me when I called them. I thought my career was over when I was injured, but my friends called even at 3 AM and made me believe that it was not over.
My career started at 11. My brother took me to Achrekar sir and that is the best thing to have happened to me. Sir would be taking me on his scooter all over Mumbai to ensure that I get enough match practice. On a lighter note, he has never said well played to me so that I don’t get complacent.
