‘Big change will be Sachin not wearing India cap’

Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) Sachin Tendulkar’s brother Ajit Tuesday paid tribute the batting maestro and said the family is looking forward to seeing him play in his farewell Test at Wankhede Stadium.

Ajit reflected on Sachin's life post the India-West Indies Test beginning here Thursday.

"One thing after Nov 18 is sure that Sachin won't be wearing India cap again. It will be a big change for him. He has been wearing that India cap for last 24 years. He stepped on the field and people expected him to score 100 every time. Pressure is not going to be there further. He can eat as many butter chickens as he wants with no further media scrutiny," said Ajit in a conclave organised by India Today Group.

Surprisingly, omeone who moulded Sachin's illustrious career and guided him in his formative years has himself never seen Sachin play on field.

On the entire family watching him play at home, Ajit said: "They are happy. Mother has never seen him play. This will be the first time. Also, it will be a very emotional moment."

Ajit also had his fears during Sachin’s growing up years, especially his love for fast cars.

"I never doubted his ability. He was a fast learner but a few things scared us. Like Dungarpur Sir called my father that Sachin would often drive in fifth gear."

One of the low points of Sachin’s life was when his father passed away during the 1999 World Cup. 

"At that point of time if father could have come alive for even five minutes, he would have wanted Sachin to go back and play. We all tried to convince him (Sachin) to return for the rest of the tournament."

And what is Ajit’s favourite Sachin innings?

"I must say that his 136 vs Pakistan in Chennai is my favourite innings."