Mumbai, Mar 2:
He delivered his farewell speech with such emotional conviction that many were left wiping tears but retired batting legend Sachin Tendulkar today said his only preparation for the stirring address was to remember the “important” names he wanted to mention.
The 20-minute speech, which Tendulkar delivered after his final Test in Mumbai last year, was lauded by one and all for its emotional clarity so much so that the spectators at the Wankhede Stadium and the millions glued to TV sets were left teary-eyed. Reflecting on it, Tendulkar revealed that he planned on delivering a speech after his penultimate Test on a flight from Kolkata to Mumbai.
“I was flying back from Kolkata to Mumbai and then I realised that this is going to be my last match. I was sitting alone and you know I better think of something, think of people I need to mention because before I realise, Mumbai match would also be over and all of a sudden, I would be standing in front of my peers,” Tendulkar said at a promotional event hosted by Network 18 Group here. (PTI)