Sachin Tendulkar imparts cricket training to children to celebrate his 43rd birthday

Sachin Tendulkar once again proved he is more than cricket. The iconic Sachin Tendulkar today celebrated his 43rd birthday by playing cricket with children from the ‘Make-A-Wish India’ organisation in the city, even as the fraternity wished him and waxed eloquence.

Tendulkar spent some time with the children, teaching them the basics of batting, bowling and fielding at the MIG Club. He posted the same on his official Facebook page.

Tendulkar retired from all forms of cricket in November 2013 during the Test match against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium.

Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in Tests and ODIs. He is the only cricketer to have hit 100 international centuries, and the first to score a double century in ODIs.

Tendulkar received India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna from the President Pranav Mukherjee in 2014. He is the youngest recipient to date and the first ever sportsperson to receive the award.

As he stepped into his 43rd year, wishes started to pour in on Twitter.

“Many happy returns of the day champion @sachin_rt have a blessed year!” former India captain and long-time teammate Anil Kumble wrote on his Twitter handle.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan said, “Happy Birthday Paaji! There never was, and never will be another Sachin!”

BCCI bigwigs — secretary Anurag Thakur and IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla — were not to be left behind.

“Happy birthday to one and only @sachin_rt . Wishing you lots of happiness and good health,” Thakur said.

Shukla wrote, “Happy birthday Sachin. May God give u more strength to serve cricket & also duties of an mp.”

Suresh Raina said, “Happy birthday @sachin_rt the best man I know on and off the field. Wishing you health and success always.”

Pacer S. Sreesanth said, “respected Sachin Paaji, may u have the best birthday ever, honour knowing you, love and respect alwys.”

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq also wished the batting maestro who has amassed 15921 runs in 200 Tests and 18426 runs in 463 ODIs.

“Have a wonderful day brother @sachin_rt. God bless you,” Saqlain said.

The good wishes were not just restricted to cricket.

“Happy Birthday to @sachin_rt #LivingLegend #respect #love God bless sir,” said star boxer Vijender Singh.

All India Football Federation president Praful Patel wrote, “Wishing the cricket legend @sachin_rt a very Happy Birthday. May almighty bless him always.”

The Indian Super League said, “Best wishes to @KBFCOfficial owner and cricketing great, @sachin_rt on his birthday!”

Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Vir Das and Dhanush took to social media to wish Tendulkar.

Bollywood’s megastar Amitabh shared that the cricketing icon “makes us so proud”.

He tweeted: “Happy birthday Sachin...Our pride and our honour! Happy birthday Sachin...you make us so proud”.

Actor Anil Kapoor shared on Twitter: “He is a game changer, a creator of and a gem of a person. Happy birthday Sachin Tendulkar. You will always be a legend.”

Calling himself a “true fan”, the “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” star Ayushmann Khurrana tweeted: “It’s Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday. True fan! When he used to get out, I used to stop eating food.”

Actor and comedian Vir Das not only wished the batting legend, but also highlighted how the star has taught the world about humanity. He posted: “There’s very few athletes who teach you as much about humanity as they do about the sport. Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar”.

Abhishek Bachchan tweeted: “Happy birthday legend! Sachin Tendulkar”, whereas singer Armaan Malik wished him “a lifetime of happiness and joy because that is what you have given us through your craft!”.

Dhanush, who has worked in southern film industry as well as Bollywood, also tweeted: “Happy birthday to the god of cricket Sachin Tendulkar... All hail the man who made and making our country proud”, and comedian Papa CJ shared: “Happy birthday Sachin Tendulkar — thanks for the memories and entertainment!”.

After wrapping up stupendous innings on the cricket pitch, master blaster Tendulkar will be making a splash on the film scene with the upcoming film “Sachin The Film”. Mumbai-based production company 200 Not Out is making the film with London-based award-winning writer, director and producer James Erskine as the director.

(Image credits: indiatimes)