Recently, birthday boy Sachin Tendulkar revealed what he’d do if Virat Kohli broke his ODI record for most centuries. The Master Blaster told author Boria Majumder during the Mumbai launch of the latter’s book that he’d pop a bottle of champagne for the man many have deemed to be his worthwhile successor.
He said: “I will go and share a bottle with him if he breaks my record. I won't send him champagne bottles; I will go there and share it with him.”
A few days, Sachin Tendulkar had written Kohli’s bio for the TIME 100 list.
The legendary Indian cricketer wrote how he saw young Virat Kohli as a member of the India U-19 World Cup side in 2008.
"The U-19 World Cup in 2008 was very important for India, as it would define the next bunch of youngsters who would go on to represent the nation. That was the first time I watched this young, passionate player lead India.
"Today Virat Kohli is a household name and a champion in cricket. Even back then, his hunger for runs and consistency was remarkable, something that has become the hallmark of his game."
He also praised Virat for his ability to face the criticism and use it to improve himself.
"Every sportsman knows what it’s like to have good spells and bad ones too. Virat took the criticism he faced during a disappointing West Indies series and returned home with a goal: to improve not only his technique, but also his fitness level. He’s never looked back."
"My father always told me that if I focused on what I was doing, over time, detractors would become followers. Virat seems to have a similar outlook when it comes to his game.
"I wish him all the best for his career ahead and am confident he will continue to bring pride and glory to India through cricket. Go Virat!" Sachin signed off.
Iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar turned 45 today as countless wishes poured in for the master blaster on social media.
Past and current Indian cricketers took the lead in wishing Tendulkar, who remains as popular as ever after playing his last international match in November 2013.
"Happy Birthday dear @sachin_rt . You are and will always remain an inspiration . It's wonderful to see you contribute towards society with some really good initiatives even after your retirement. Wish you success always," wrote his longtime teammate VVS Laxman.
His opening partner Virender Sehwag wrote: "Many more happy returns of the day to a man who could stop time in India (literally) .Thank you for making the Cricket Bat such a great weapon, which later many like me could also use." It was not a surprise that #HappyBirthdaySachin was trending on leading social media platform Twitter.
Suresh Raina and Lokesh Rahul too had emotional messages for Tendulkar, the only batsman to score 100 international centuries.
"To the man who united a billion Indians and brought a smile to their faces everytime he walked out to bat. A dream that he turned into reality. Sachin is an emotion.. Sachin is a phenomena!" posted Raina.
Rahul wrote: "The Legend, The God of Cricket - @sachin_rt. You inspire me everyday paaji, Happy Bday to you!" Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma and Harbhajan Singh were also among the many cricketers who wished Tendulkar.
