For a generation of loyal Indian cricket fans who saw India lift the world cup at Lords he was the boy who had the potential to replace Sunil Gavaskar, For the next generation he was an icon and inspiration who carried their national side on his young herculean shoulders single-handedly and for the Dhoni-Yuvraj-smitten latest lot he is the senior pro around whom the rest of the team operates. Different though he maybe for different folk, there was one common element about Tendulkar that inspired more than a billion people at home- an ability to put smiles on the faces of those who watched him; those who watched his each and every stroke.

The most captivating aspect about Tendulkar was his ‘boy next door’ persona that would just turn up at the ground against seemingly insurmountable odds, fierce fast bowlers and of course once in a while sell a razor blade or energy drink… doing all that in a shy and humble fashion that floored you with its simplicity; the same simple and uncomplicated approach that translated into his batting and his work ethic at the nets. Yet, once he took guard, the shy boy next door transformed into an all-demon slaying giant for his countrymen and those who watched from the other side of the fence were equally taken in by his batting brilliance.

Yet watching Sachin bat for us commoners was more about waiting to see the brutal destroyer inside being let loose. Batting was the one time when the master of his chosen craft seemed to allow himself some indulgence (and also in case of fast cars), but even that stemmed from countless of hours of practice in the nets- the paddle sweep fine, the scoop over the slips, the late cut and top hand-like flick that sent the ball from an yard outside off step to behind square on the leg. For all his genius, Tendulkar never seemed to enthrall his followers off the field with the eccentricities that come attached.

Watching the master of his chosen craft for two decades has been a unique and captivating privilege and those of us who have been lucky enough to jump onboard have enjoyed it immensely. Even till today as the dust settles and the side screen is set (which is ever so important for Sachin), some wait for the straight drive, some for the cut, some for the paddle sweep and some for the straight hit over the spinners head and Yours truly waits for that vintage and beefy pull into the stands… Different strokes for different folks… all still flowing off of one blade!