'Cricket is a game, Sachin is an emotion.' Viv Richards, Gautam Gambhir & IPL teams send b'day wishes for Tendulkar

There isn’t another name in India’s sporting history that evokes so much of love and respect as Sachin Tendulkar’s name does. For Indians, Tendulkar encompasses all the emotions and passion that we have for the game of cricket. The cricket legend, who had been an iron shield for the Indian team on the batting field for years, and has in the past served as a captain too, turns 49-year-old today. The ‘little master’ or ‘master blaster’ as he is fondly called in the cricket community will ring in his birthday this year with the Mumbai Indians (MI) team , in a bio-bubble, as the team competes in IPL 2022.

However, as the cricketer stays cocooned in the bubble, birthday wishes from fans and celebrities have been pouring in on social media to wish the legendary batsman on this special day. From former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir to Sir Vivian Richards, several players have joined in celebrating Tendulkar’s birthday on social media, and most IPL teams have photos and memories to share of the unparalleled sportsman.

In his birthday wish for Tendulkar, Sir Vivian Richards hoped that the ace batsman has a healthy and happy life moving forward, and referred to him as ‘my man’, the ‘little master’.

Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad took a trip down the memory lane and talked about the Sharjah win on Tendulkar’s 25th birthday, and said that the man still remains an ‘inspiration’ for every Indian after so many years.
VVS Laxman, another former cricketer, said that today is an auspicious day, since Tendulkar arrived on earth on this day, and wished the cricketer a healthy and prosperous life.
Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir also wished the master batsman, and called him a true legend, and an even better human being.
BCCI chimed in early morning to wish Tendulkar, who has changed the face of Indian cricket with his unparalleled genius and talent. Calling him ‘ever-so-inspiration’ the cricket board recounted his stats and scores.
The IPL team, Delhi Capitals rightly summed up many of our thoughts, when they confessed on Twitter that every year on Tendulkar’s birthday, they try to find words befitting of the cricketer’s achievement and talent, and they always fail. Having said that, they added, “Happy Birthday to the man who symbolises cricket for a billion Indians and many more around the globe.”
Rajasthan Royals, however, summed up all our feelings into four neat words. Sharing a photo of the legend, they simply wrote, “This is a love story” and anyone who has ever watched cricket would obviously know what it means.
Punjab Kings kept it desi, and gave Sachin Tendular – whom they referred to as “Sade desh ki shaan” (the pride of the nation) – their heartfelt wishes.
Kolkata Knight Riders shared several photos of the ace cricketer and in one line summed up the biggest truth of our times. Alongside the photos, the IPL team referred to the player as “the man who's driven straight into a billion hearts!”
Mumbai Indians called Tendulkar the pride of the nation as well as ‘an emotion to billions.’Chennai Super Kings wished Tendulkar a’super birthday’ and celebrated the fact that over the years, the cricketer has made packed stadiums stand up as ovation to pay tribute to his genius.
Royal Challengers Bangalore wished Tendulkar and expressed gratitude for carrying dreams of billions on his shoulders.
Gujarat Titans said that Tendulkar owns greatness like no one else.
Lucknow Super Giants hoped that they have Tendulkar's blessings on them, always.
SunRisers Hyderabad called the former cricketer 'a benchmark for all batsmen.'
Here's wishing the longest ruling heartthrob of India a very happy birthday.