Congratulations Sachin…on completing 2 decades in international cricket. As a cricket lover I sincerely wish your journey would be an immortal epitome of what cricket itself and passion in this game is all about. While I look back and scan through the past twenty years of this journey, I cannot stop convincing myself that most of what you do on field is of immense value to follow in real life.

    It was 15th Nov 1989 that you decided to create magic. I am amazed, like many, you did that for twenty years with similar élan. You were termed God; I am surprised how that could not get into your head? This convinced me that long term goals make more sense and palpable benefit than short term goals. It’s not about what you term success in the short term, but what you make of it, not just today, but for generations to come.

    Age and position have so much in common to play on one’s mind. With both increasing we tend to expect a lot. I thank you for convincing me that regardless of where we stand in terms of age/position it is equally important to respect your subordinates at work as you respect your superiors. After all the entire journey to being a superior starts with the capability of managing subordinates. In this era of misdemeanor being a common trait among leaders responsible for running this nation, I thank you for convincing me that no matter what power or position you carry in society or your company; your integrity, simplicity, modesty and image are the real measure of this power. I so wish the political leaders in our nation could learn this.

    It was always hard to stay quiet when provoked. I have rarely seen you showing me that it’s hard. I then realised, regardless of all the mud slinging, my job is to play my role and be good. Its not in my hands to stop the mud from slinging, it definitely is in my hands to not do the same and try do something better. I wish people who manage this country, while sitting in their parliamentary sessions live on TV at least learn something from this before putting us into national shame.

    Twenty-20 has brought in a lot of money for the game. The landscape of cricket has changed beyond imagination in the past twenty years. I am amazed how you continued the run machine. I have now realized the importance of innovation and patience in such innovation in changing times, an attitude without which even geniuses can evaporate. I also now believe that continued hunger is most critical for such and other right results in life.

    “Go to a good school”, “Go to a good college”, “Now you need an MBA”…phew! I thank you for convincing me that in this era of mad competition where every child is pushed to the brink when it comes to focus on education and related career options, there is enough hope if you pursue what your heart believes in, you just have to be passionate and focused about it. I thank you for convincing me that even if you are young and talented, success does not just happen, you have to strive to ensure it is earned.

    Most of all, I thank you for reinforcing the most important aspect to my countrymen. For every time that you have shared screen space for everything including and not including cricket, it’s a matter of pride that you never fail to mention the happiness of doing this for India. If not the political leaders, for all those who struggled till 1947….this is the richest tribute ever...to see an immortal legend holding the national flag high.

    Thank you for everything, there was so much and there will always be so much to learn beyond your supreme contribution to the wonderful game of cricket.