In this February 15, 2010 file photo, Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his century against South Africa in a Test in Kolkata. (Reuters)

AFP/Mumbai


Retired sports stars often struggle to build a life away from the game, but for record-breaking cricketer Sachin Tendulkar the transition will be particularly painful.
The Indian batsman admitted he never imagined life beyond cricket as he pursued his passion for most of his 40 years—more than half of them as an international player.
“All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years,” Tendulkar said yesterday as he announced his retirement.  
“It’s hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it’s all I have ever done since I was 11 years old.”
The Mumbai batsman, who said he will retire after playing his 200th Test next month, will at least not have to worry about where his next rupee is coming from.
The multi-millionaire is listed by Forbes among the world’s highest-paid sportspersons, with annual earnings of $18.6 million – $16.5 million from endorsements and $2.1 million from cricket—in the financial year that ended in June.
Tendulkar, who has millions of devoted fans, already serves in India’s parliament, the first active sportsperson to do so. But the veteran will almost certainly be offered a job as a commentator, while former cricketers are hoping he takes up coaching.
Tendulkar accepted a government offer last year to take up a seat in parliament’s upper house. The special category is usually reserved for those contributing to the arts, sciences or social services.
Many were surprised that someone who has steered clear of controversy had decided to enter India’s muck-raking world of politics, but Tendulkar was determined to make his six-year tenure count.
“I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports in the country,” he said soon after his swearing-in last June.
“I would be happy if I am remembered as someone who has contributed to all sports in India rather than just my cricket statistics.”
A lucrative career in television commentary is an option for Tendulkar, following in the footsteps of a host of international cricketers.
He would be in good company alongside former team-mates like Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Manjrekar, Navjot Sidhu, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly.
The soft-spoken introvert may not be an ideal candidate, but a senior TV executive said production houses will still queue up to sign the “Little Master”.
“Sachin is too big a player not to attract TV companies,” said the executive, who did not want to be named. “What he says is worth its weight in gold.”
Kapil, who played alongside Tendulkar in the Indian team from 1989 to 1994, hoped the master batsman would devote some time to coaching young players.
“Sachin will have many options before him, but I wish he will also spare time to pass on his invaluable knowledge to youngsters,” Kapil told AFP. “They will hang on to every word of his.”
Tendulkar misses no opportunity these days to spend time with wife Anjali and their two children, Sara and Arjun, which effectively rules out a travelling job with the Indian team in the immediate future.
Charity work will also take up Tendulkar’s time, especially his sponsorship of 200 underprivileged children every year through Apnalaya, a Mumbai-based NGO associated with his mother-in-law, Annabel Mehta.
He has also helped to raise funds for cancer research and the building of basic facilities in government schools across the country, especially toilets for girl students.

Reaction to Tendulkar’s retirement

“Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best Sachin.”
— Sanjay Manjrekar, former India and Mumbai team mate, on Twitter

“Salutes to Sachin paaji. I think India jersey number 10 should retire as well and preserved forever. Thanks Paaji.”
— Gautam Gambhir, India batsman, on Twitter

“Great player & a brilliant human being. Thanks for the memories, Paaji. Privileged to have shared the dressing room with you.”
— Aakash Chopra, former India opening batsman, on Twitter
 
“Don’t really know what to say about sachin. Everything will fall short. Just wish him the very best for his next innings.”
— Abhinav Bindra, India’s Olympic gold medalist, on Twitter

“O no! Suddenly realised the meaning of addiction. Mine was the Master. I am going thru cold turkey. To see cricket without Sachin? Unbearable”
— Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood actor, on Twitter

Sachin Tendulkar is an extraordinary sports icon who will continue to inspire Indians and all sports lovers to achieve excellence in sports.  The Ministry...look forward to working with Sachin Tendulkar to promote sports in the country.”
— Jitendra Singh, India’s Sports Minister

“It’s always difficult to comprehend how someone like Sachin lives his life. He has always managed his career well, managed to perform under an extreme amount of pressure and never had any scandals, which is a credit on him and his family.”
— Graeme Smith, South Africa Test captain, on Twitter

“One of the Greatest ever @sachin_rt is retiring... One of my heroes and a absolute joy to play against.. #BornToPlayCricket”
— Michael Vaughan, former England captain, on Twitter

“Sachin #10dulkar - Undisputed Champion of Cricket! #SachinTheGreat.”
— Kevin Pietersen, former England captain, on Twitter

“Sad to hear the greatest ever batsman is calling it a day. One man who inspired a nation #Sachin”
— Eoin Morgan, England batsman, on Twitter

“The sight of the straight lines of the bat on its downswing; the power of the back foot punch; thanks for the memories Sachin. Glad you came.”
— Ian Bishop, former West Indies fast bowler, on Twitter

“Sachin Tendukar to retire after his 200th test match v windies in Mumbai; Best batsman I bowled to at his peak no weakness #LittleMaster.”
— Damien Fleming, former Australia pace bowler, on Twitter

“Time waits for know one as #Tendulkar prepares to say goodbye, been a privilege to play & coach against the little master one of the greats!”
— Tom Moody, former Australia cricketer, on Twitter