Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar turned 47 on Friday and the global cricket fraternity took to social media to send their wishes to the Master Blaster.
Tendulkar, who retired from the sport in 2013, is the only player to have scored 100 international tons in his career. He has 51 centuries in Test cricket and 49 in One-Day Internationals (ODI). He is also the first male cricketer to score a double-century in an ODI match.
Amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic though, the cricket legend has decided not to celebrate his special day. Instead, he has been actively spreading the necessary messages to his countrymen and also donated Rs. 50 lakh for coronavirus patients along with a month's ration for 5,000 Mumbaikars among other things.
"I won’t be celebrating my birthday this year. Given the circumstances, I don’t think it’s right time to celebrate anything," Tendulkar told Sportstar.
"Every time the government wanted us to explain its directives, we have done that as well. I have been in talks with some of our business partners to spread the message about the prevailing situation to those in their organisations. Also, for the first time, I have been able to work with the medical fraternity. I spent around 45 minutes talking to them about my experiences," he added.
That, however, hasn't stopped his former teammates and experts from sending him their best wishes. This is what they are saying:
True that the great man could stop time in India when batting. But the biggest inspiration @sachin_rt Paaji’s career is summed up is in these two pictures. Much needed to remember especially in these difficult times that after every adversity comes victory #HappyBirthdaySachin 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/UODlDjbCEL
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 24, 2020
To the legend with an eternal sweet spot on the bat & in our hearts, here’s wishing MasterBlaster @sachin_rt a very happy bday. May ur life continue to shine like ur records & may u continue to inspire billions thru ur noble deeds. Loads of love & best wishes #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/l52w5dahA3
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 24, 2020
Birthday greetings to one of the biggest legend of cricket @sachin_rt . Have a blast at home Paaji. Lots of love 🎂 #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/WwxVJjVXfi
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 24, 2020
Fondly remember that time during your last test match when you walked up to me to share words of encouragement.
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) April 24, 2020
The moment was yours, but you still thought of me!
I cherish that moment even today. Happiest birthday @sachin_rt Paaji!#HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/GKEfb8CgQL
This one is specially for you my friend @sachin_rt on your special day.
— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) April 24, 2020
A tribute to the wonderful years we have been together and to forever!
Happiest birthday Master!#HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/OIFU2w1r2G
Happy Birthday, Bossman. Legacy you've left behind in the sport is immortal. God bless Champ 🤗 @sachin_rt #HappyBirthdaySachin #SachinTendulkar pic.twitter.com/aqSCso4in2
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 24, 2020
Birthday Greetings to dear @sachin_rt . You were and continue to remain an inspiration. Wish you ever more joy and success in all that you do. #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/jX7wfyVE7I
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 24, 2020
Happy birthday to the man whose passion for the game of cricket has inspired many. Wishing you an amazing year ahead paaji. 😊🎂 @sachin_rt pic.twitter.com/Mj7tE9evHg
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 24, 2020
One of my earliest menories of @sachin_rt. I’m not far behind Tom Alter who interviewed him for Grandstand, video brought out by Sportsweek where I worked then. Early 1989. Sachin was 15 and a raging sensation in Indian cricket already. Time flies. Happy 47th maestro! pic.twitter.com/6BWyLJWp0T
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 24, 2020
#HappyBirthdaySachin. You weren't just a cricketer, you were an emotion. These are difficult times but you still bring joy to many. pic.twitter.com/xG6QBjjfRC
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 24, 2020