New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar's mother-in-law Annabel Mehta is sure that the cricket legend, who retired on Saturday, will always remain in touch with the game in some capacity, but insists that she would like him to relax and take some time off before deciding his next move.
"I will advise him to take some time off before deciding on what he would like to be involved in. He should not rush into anything just now," said Ms Mehta, a British-origin social worker who runs an NGO for street children in Mumbai.
"He will not be without cricket as his son is passionate about the game. Maybe the only playing he will do now will be with Arjun in the nets at home," she added when asked about the future plans of the champion batsman. (Dream exit, as if scripted by the Almighty: Sachin to NDTV)
Ms Mehta was present along with other members of Sachin's family at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Saturday where the cricketer bid a tearful farewell to the game after a glorious 24-year career. (Sachin's final test: 10 photos you just can't miss)
Speaking about the heart-warming speech that Sachin delivered after is 200th and final Test, she said, "I think we were all moved by his speech. It was amazing. How he managed to make such a speech when he was so emotional I just don't know. The love and respect he got from all over the country was amazing." (Full text of Sachin's farewell speech)
Ms Mehta also added that Sachin might take up golf or tennis for his physical fitness. "I think he will continue to work on his physical fitness, maybe take up golf or tennis," she said and quipped, "His wife wants him to take over some responsibilities of the house. I don't know what she has in mind for him. He used to enjoy cooking in the early years, which was a good thing as Anjali had no interest in cooking."
Ms Mehta said she was happy that Sachin, who she claims has been the best son-in-law, will be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's biggest civilian award. (Dedicate Bharat Ratna to all mothers in India: Sachin)
"I adore his honesty, integrity, humility, intelligence and understanding and most of all, his love for his family. I couldn't have a better son-in-law. Thank goodness he's not retiring from that," she said.
