On This Day: Sachin Tendulkar Walked Out for His Last Test Innings At Wankhede Stadium

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On 14 November 2013, Sachin Tendulkar took to the crease for the last time in his international career at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium in front of a packed crowd.

Facing the West Indies in the second Test of the series, Tendulkar remained not out on 38 at the close of Day 1, keeping fans hopeful for a memorable final innings from the cricketing legend.

Tendulkar’s performance on that first day showed glimpses of his vintage style, and each shot brought a wave of “Sachin, Sachin” chants from an adoring crowd.

As Day 2 began, Tendulkar picked up right where he left off, driving the ball elegantly past the bowler with his trademark straight drive to reach his fifty. The packed stadium was alive with excitement, each fan hoping for a farewell century. While he ultimately fell short of a hundred, Tendulkar's poised 74 was a final masterclass in technique and temperament, a fitting farewell to his remarkable career.

The Award-Winning Farewell Photograph

Tendulkar’s final walk to the pitch was immortalised by Mid-Day’s photojournalist Atul Kamble, whose image captured the gravity of the moment as the “Little Master” strode out for his last Test innings.

This photograph later won the 2013 Wisden – MCC Cricket Photograph of the Year and also earned Kamble the Picture of the Year title at the MFI-Yes Bank National Press Photo Contest in 2014. The iconic image symbolised the end of an era in Indian cricket, resonating with fans across generations who had followed Tendulkar’s journey since his debut in 1989.

End of an Era: Final Match of Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series against the West Indies marked his 200th Test appearance, the most by any player in cricket history, and his retirement concluded a 24-year career studded with 15,921 Test runs, 51 centuries, and an average of 53.78.

He had already bid adieu to ODI cricket and the IPL, but this final Test added a sense of closure. When Tendulkar was eventually dismissed, an emotional silence spread across Wankhede Stadium, only to be replaced by thunderous applause in recognition of his unparalleled legacy.

As Mohammad Shami’s final dismissal of Shannon Gabriel wrapped up the match, India won by an innings and 126 runs, and Tendulkar’s remarkable career drew to a close.

That last outing at the crease, and his heartfelt farewell speech, left an indelible mark on millions, capturing the pride and emotion of his long journey and the immense impact he had on cricket and fans worldwide.