He came back to the ground one last time and touched the 22-yard strip with his hands as a mark of respect.
His family was with him throughout and they were also vociferously cheered by the crowd. It was one moment where emotions were difficult to control. Some had moist eyes, those who know how to conceal their emotions probably hid it under their shades.
Everyone knew that the moment would arrive today but will vouch for their lives that they didn't want it ever to arrive.
For once, fans wanted
Marlon Samuels not to hit that ugly stroke, they wanted
Chris Gayle not to edge that cut shot so that Tendulkar could stay on there for a little bit longer.
For a generation that grew up during 80's and 90's, it was difficult to live a life and not love Sachin Tendulkar. For those of the earlier generation, it was difficult not to compare with him their hero Sunil Gavaskar.
There were some great players like VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble but they were all supporting actors in the great saga called Indian cricket as there was only one hero --
that five 5'5 man from Bandra.
He touched hearts when he dedicated his century against England in the Chennai Test in 2008 to the victims of the Mumbai terror attack.
