Tendulkar out at 74, billion fans still seek more

The magician called Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar today ensured that it was a farewell that each and every Indian will remember for posterity as the country's greatest sporting icon walked into the sunset with a knock which exhibited just why he is the greatest of this era.

In his 200th and last Test match, Tendulkar showed how a genius can keep overwhelming emotions under control as he scored a majestic 74 in what will probably be his last international innings.

The numbers mattered for the uninitiated but for those who loved the man for the last 24 years, each and every stroke that came out from that blade was a celebration. His 74 came off 118 balls with 12 boundaries.

A deft late cut off Shane Shillingford, straight drive past Tino Best, a shot off his hips off Shanon Gabriel, it was India's most loved hero's way of saying 'Thank You' as he completed 24 years in international cricket today.

The cobwebs were off his mind, 40,000 odd at the Wankhede and the millions in every nook and corner of India may have felt the pressure, but the man himself had a sage like presence at the crease. Nothing mattered to him apart from the bowler and the release of his delivery.

Today's innings was a vintage Tendulkar, who made everyone sit on a 'Time Machine' as he rolled back those years.

What no bowler has done successfully in 24 years, Tino Best was trying to do -- sledge Tendulkar. But predictably, it didn't have an effect.

Best tried to intimidate Tendulkar with short-pitched deliveries. It hardly bothered him. He appealed fervently for a caught behind but the umpire negated it.