Sachin Tendulkar Redux: Sachin Tendulkar and Golden Memories Stay Etched Forever on November 15

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These days, there is a constant GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) debate in a multitude of sports. Mercifully, Sachin Tendulkar was not put through such a test, though people who had never even seen a Don Bradman video started comparing the Indian with him.

On November 15, 1989 Sachin made his international debut. On November 14, 2013, he came out to bat for the last time. His last innings of 74 runs in his 200th Test was spread over two days, November 14 and 15, against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadum. Why talk of all this now?

It's all about emotions and how one man almost became bigger than the sport of cricket itself. Sachin himself would have never wanted such a mention, but today, 35 years after he made his debut and showcased his class in Tests and ODIs he is remembered at every stage.

Sampe this. On November 14, 2024, WV Raman makes a demand Sachin should be made batting consultant for the BGT Series in Australia. This thought was not put out in social domain as a clickbait. It was a genuine feeling, respect for the legend who occupies prime space in our collective consciousness even 11 years after his retirement from Test cricket.

Sample this, Sachin had played 198 Tests. The very thought of hosting two more Tests so that he could sign out with an incredible record, 200 Tests, gives you the goosebumps. Sports scribes and writers are supposed to inert to emotions, not behave like a fan.That's what was taught in old school journalism when reporting meant just presenting facts from the field of play.

Writing mean opinion, which was not allowed unless one head reached a certain level of credibility or seniority. Sounds absurd, does it? Well, that's how it worked, unlike today, where social media makes an expert out of everyone and sports journalism itself is under threat and has to innovate.

For this writer to see Sachin's 199th Test was a special effort. Not labelled a cricket writer, taking leave from work (Mail Today newspaper) and flying to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the match was a massive exercise.

It was more tough to get a match ticket, since the City Of Joy had gone so emotional over Sachin's last appearance. Anway, to see Sachin in flesh and blood was a joy, thanks to a good Samaritan procuring a pavilion pass.

The hysteria continued into Mumbai, where the November 14 to 16 Test match was all about Sachin. He scored 38 on the first day and another 36, for a total of 74 in his last innings. Finally, on November 16, Sachin said bye and waved to all fans.

"Time has flown by quickly, but the memories you have left with me, will always be with me for forever and ever and especially the chant of 'Sachin Sachin' which will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing," said Tendulkar. He spoke more as the stands were swamped by tears and emotions.

Yet, Sachin was calm as he spoke, the farewell he got worthy of a King abdicating his throne. Why talk all this now, some sadists may ask. Truth is, Sachin is loved, worshipped, idolised, even now. Nobody wants to let him go, one sight, one glance, that's enough to send fans into a tizzy.

It is very much like that Sachin ad "Sachin aaye le," Sachin is coming. To be sure, Sachin never left, for, his debut date of November 15, 1989, when he was a kid, is still remembered. There is a bit of Sachin in all of us, be it in India, Pakistan, England, Australia, West Indies and, of course, the desert venues in the UAE.

This is where he produced one of the most audacious knocks against giant Shane Warne. The assault on Warnie left the Aussie bamboozled, with sleepless nights. This was just one knock in white ball cricket. There are several Sachin classics to be viewed again and again, on YouTube and so many more platforms.

Why do people not get tired of this? It's because of his romance, his magic, his aura. Recall, how Virat Kohli bowed before SRT when he knew the legend was in the stands at the Wankhede Stadium. Ok, that was also on November 15, 2023, after King Kohli has smashed a ton against the Kiwis in the ICC World Cup semi-final.

Hangover or memories, the legend of Sachin lives on. Forever.