“Friends please settle down, I’ll get more emotional! It’s hard to believe
my wonderful journey is coming to an end.
I’ve a list of names to thank. The first is my father, who passed away in
1999. Without his guidance I wouldn’t be standing in front of you. he said
‘chase your dreams, don’t give up, the path will be difficult.’ I miss him
today. My mom, I don’t know how she managed a naughty child like me. She
just prayed and prayed from the day I started playing the game. For four
years I stayed with my uncle and aunt when in school, they treated me like
their own son. My eldest brother Nitin doesn’t like to talk ,much but he
said, whatever you do, I know you will give 100%. My first cricket bat was
presented to me by my sister Savita. She still continues to fast while I bat.
Ajit my brother – We have lived this dream together, he sacrificed his
career for me, he took me to Achrekar sir first. Even last night he called
me to discuss my dismissal. Even when I’m not playing we will still be
discussing technique. If that hadn’t happened, I would have been a lesser
cricketer.
“The most beautiful thing happened to me when I met Anjali in 1990. I know
that being a doctor there was a big career in front of her. But she decides
that I should continue playing and she took care of the children. Thanks
for bearing with me for all the nonsense I’ve said (Anjali wipes tears).
Then the two precious diamonds of my life Sara and Arjun. I’ve missed out
on several birthdays, holidays. I know for 14-16 years I’ve not spent
enough time with you. But I promise you I will spend the next 16.
“My inlaws – I’ve discussed several things with them. The most important
thing they did was allow me to marry Anjali. In the last 24 years my
friends have made terrific contributions. They have been with me while I
was stressed. They have been with me even at 3am when I was injured.
Thanks for being there for me.
“My career started when I was 11. I was extremely delighted to see
Achrekar sir in the stands. I used to ride on his scooter and play two
matches a day. Sir took me along to make sure I played. On a lighter note,
Sir never said ‘well played’ because he didn’t want me to be complacent.
You can push your luck now, Sir, since I’m not playing cricker anymore.
“I started my career here in Mumbai. I remember landing from NZ at 4am
and playing a Ranji game the next day. The BCCI was fantastic from my
debut. Thanks to the selectors. You were right with me making sure my
treatment was taken care of.
“Thanks to all the senior cricketers who have played with me. We see on
the screen Rahul, VVS, Sourav, Anil who is not here. All the coaches. I know
when MS presented the 200th Test cap, I had a message to the team – I
said we are all so proud to be representing the nation. I hope to continue to
serve the nation with dignity. I have full faith that you will serve the
country in the right spirit.
I will be failing in my duty if I didn’t thank the doctors who have kept me
fit. Given the injuries I have suffered. They have treated me in odd hours.
My dear friend the late Mark Mascarenhas. I miss him. My current
management team WSG, for continuing what Mark has done. Someone who
has worked closely with me for 14 years is my friend Vinay Nayudu.
“The media has backed me a lot, since my school days. Even today. Thank
you. Thanks to the photographers for capturing those moments.
“I know my speech has become long. I want to thank people who have flown
in from different parts of the world. I want to thank my fans from the
bottom of my heart. “Sachin, Sachin” will reverberate in my ears till I
stop breathing.”