Tendulkar's Retirement Dominates Indian News
Indian new services were dominated on Friday by the news of Sachin Tendulkar's retirement, with the looming departure of the “Little Master” taking precedence over everything else.
Indian newspapers paid flowing tributes to the master batsman on their front pages, continuing the odes by news channels, which had started running special features on Tendulkar immediately after the announcement on Thursday.
"There will never be another you" ran a banner headline on the front page of Hindustan Times while The Indian Express carried a huge silhouetted picture of Tendulkar walking into the sunset headlined "The Void".
The Times of India had a collage of pictures from Tendulkar's childhood and teenage days mingled with its masthead and its main story was headlined "God Bye" since he is often referred to as the "God of Cricket" in this part of the world.
All newspapers carried reactions and quotes from the cricket fraternity as well as lengthy articles listing his achievements since becoming the youngest Indian test cricketer at the age of 16.
The 40-year-old Tendulkar, who will retire after appearing in a record 200th test during next month's home series against the West Indies, is the most prolific scorer in international cricket with 15,837 runs in 198 tests and 18,426 runs in 463 one-day internationals.
Tendulkar, who has already retired from limited overs internationals, is the only batsman to score 100 international centuries with 51 in tests and 49 in ODIs. He was also the first batsman to score a double-century in ODIs when he made 200 not out against South Africa at Gwalior in 2010.
News channels also ran reactions from the public both on camera and via twitter while the morning radio shows poured in accolades on Tendulkar, whose retirement announcement had looked imminent but was a surprise as it came much ahead of the West Indies series.
"Congrats to my good friend Sachin on what can only be described as an amazing career!" tweeted former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne. "I wish you & your family all the best in the future. Was a privilege & an honour to do battle with the little master on the field. But our friendship is something I cherish!"
Flamboyant India batsman Virender Sehwag said he had not come to terms with his idol's retirement.
"Sachin announcement hasn't sunk in yet." Sehwag wrote on his twitter handle. "It feels as if an integral part of my life is in transition. Words aren't enough to thank u paaji (brother)!"
Rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra, India's only individual gold medal winner at any Olympics, also paid tribute.
"Don't really know what to say about sachin," he tweeted. "Everything will fall short. Just wish him the very best for his next innings."
Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan tweeted that Tendulkar would be missed on the cricket field.
"O no! Suddenly realized the meaning of addiction. Mine was the Master. I am going thru cold turkey. To see cricket without Sachin? Unbearable," wrote Shahrukh, who is a co-owner of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
