NEW DELHI: Legendary Sachin Tendulkar shared an anecdote from the final international match of his career against the West Indies, held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Sachin was speaking at an event commemorating 50 years of the Wankhede Stadium, where he experienced two of his most cherished career moments: winning the 2011 Cricket World Cup—his first title after a wait of over two decades—and playing his 200th and final Test match against the West Indies.
During the event, Sachin recounted how he had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to schedule his last match in Mumbai so his mother could watch him play live for the first time.
“Before the series of my last match was announced – I got in touch with BCCI and made one request that I want my last match to be held in Mumbai for one very reason – I played cricket for so many years – around 30 years – 24 years for India, my mother had never seen me play. At that time (during retirement) my mother’s health was not good enough that she could travel anywhere other than Wankhede to watch me play. I wanted her to see why I have been moving to different places for 24 years. BCCI very graciously accepted that request,” said Sachin.
Reflecting on his emotions during the match, Sachin said he was overwhelmed, knowing it was the last time he was playing for India. While he was at the crease, close-ups of his family, including his mother, were displayed on the big screen, which stirred deep emotions. He humorously remarked that those handling the big screen seemed to have a West Indies passport.
“Last match it was surreal, emotional, I knew it was happening for the last time. I fought through emotions as I came to bat. WI players and spectators gave me so much respect. Just before the last over, in close-ups, my mother, wife and my family were shown. I thought that the ones handling the screen must have had a West Indies passport, since he worked in favour of WI by playing with my emotions as I looked to survive. Once the match was over, the final lap and when I was lifted on shoulders, it was surreal. These are not planned, but written by the god above. This experience is going to be with me till my last breath,” he added.
In his final Test, Sachin scored 74 in his only innings.
Sachin also reflected on another iconic moment at Wankhede—India’s victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
“When I saw the World Cup win in 1983, I had that same motivation. That I should have a trophy in my hand too. It was the best moment of my life, there is nothing better than this,” he said.
In the World Cup final, Sri Lanka batted first and posted 274/6, thanks to Mahela Jayawardene’s unbeaten 113 and contributions from Kumar Sangakkara (48), Tillakaratne Dilshan (48), and Thisara Perera (22*). Zaheer Khan (2/60) and Yuvraj Singh (2/49) were the standout bowlers for India.
India’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar. However, crucial knocks from Gautam Gambhir (97), Virat Kohli (35), MS Dhoni (91*), and Yuvraj Singh (21*) guided India to a six-wicket win.
Sachin was India’s highest run-getter in the tournament, amassing 482 runs in nine matches at an average of 53.55 and a strike rate of over 91. His tally included two centuries and two fifties, with a top score of 120.
