West Indies batsman Kirk Edwards recalled Sachin Tendulkar's emotional final Test in Mumbai in November 2013, saying apart from the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium and around the world, as well as Tendulkar's teammates, even the opposition players shed tears knowing that the great man will never grace the cricket field at the international level again.
After giving him a special guard of honour, the visitors saw Tendulkar play a delightful, free-flowing knock of 74, including those famous cover-drives and square-cuts, before a cut shot he edged off part-time spinner Narsingh Deonarine through to first slip Darren Sammy ended it all.
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West Indies collapsed either side of India's massive total in an innings defeat and Tendulkar didn't get the chance to bat in the second essay.
Edwards wasn't playing that game but was part of the squad. The right-hand batsman, who has played 17 Tests and 16 ODIs for West Indies, recalled what was the atmosphere like at the time, as they bid farewell to the Master Blaster.
"For the 200th Test match, I was there. It was very emotional for me as well. I had my shades on. I was next to Gayle as well. Both of us were sniffing (tearing up). We tried to not let waterfall out of our eyes. It was a very touching moment. Knowing that you’re never gonna see this guy in the park again playing cricket," Edwards told Crictracker in an Instagram Live chat.
Edwards has another fond memory of Tendulkar, who made the then youngster feel comfortable by messaging him when he was going through a difficult period on an England tour.
"When I was having a harder time in England, I remember, in Edgbaston, he had sent me a text message. He gave me great confidence to understand that even the best go through tough times like these. It’s no problem, just keep working."
Coming back to that day, 16th November 2013, the Indian team also paid tribute to Tendulkar via a guard of honour where they interestingly kept the man guarded by moving either side of him till he actually left the playing arena. In between, Tendulkar was seen welling up, aware that this is it, he is never coming back to wear the Indian jersey again.
In a heartfelt speech, just after having thanked the sport for all that it gave it to him by bowing down to the playing surface, Tendulkar mentioned everyone influential to his journey, including his childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar, his parents, his brother Ajit and wife Anjali.
(Inputs from India Express)
