Transition phase completed as Tendulkar bids farewell in 2013

A legend walking into sunset after an illustrious career, a bunch of bravehearts asserting India's supremacy in the limited overs format and a phenomenally talented cricketer choosing the path of self destruction by indulging in spot-fixing, were the highlights of Indian cricket in the eventful 2013.
While cricket had its usual quota of the good, the bad and the ugly but Sachin Tendulkar's retirement after serving the country for 24 long years and giving joy to billions across the globe was certainly the most moving moment of the year.
It indeed was a 'Farewell to Remember' when Tendulkar played his 200th and final Test match at his homeground Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. His last innings in Test cricket bore testimony to legendary status -- an innings that was high on quality and aesthetic value for those who had loved the 'Game of glorious uncertainties'.

The euphoria and outpouring of the fans during his farewell series would forever remain unmatched. Sir Don Bradman may have had the best average but when it came to love and affection, Tendulkar had outscored the iconic Australian by a fair distance.
200 Test matches, 100 international centuries, more than 50,000 runs across all formats at the senior level are not just numbers or milestones for the cricket crazy Indians. These are figures that every fan treasures with a sense of belonging. His farewell speech at the Wankhede on November 16 will forever be etched in the memory of his fans as there was hardly anyone who didn't wipe a tear on that emotional afternoon.