(Image source from: Fitting farewell for the Master Blaster})

What a fitting farewell it is for the Master Blaster who walked into the sunset with a classy 74 yesterday. And India's win in the second test against West Indies by an inning and 126-run at the Wankhede Stadium just adds to the special moment.

As Sachin took the lap of honor at Wankhede's hour long presentation ceremony, there wasn't a single dry eye in the audience.

During his tearful farewell speech, Sachin struck a chord with his family, telling, "Sara (16) and Arjun (14) - I wanted to spend so much time with them. Both of you have been so so special for me. I promise you, next 16 years and beyond you will have my everything."

"Anjali took the decision to sacrifice her career. Without her support I don't think i would have been able to play cricket freely, thanks to her. You're the best partnership I've had in my life."

"My sister Savita presented me with my first cricket bat. She still continues to fast when I bat. Ajit my brother we've lived this dream together. He sacrificed his career for me. Even last night he called me and we talked about my dismissal. may be still when I'm not playing cricket, we'll discuss technique. If he wouldn't have been around, I would have been a lesser cricketer."

Sachin ends his 24 year long glorious career with 15921 Test runs and a total of 34357 runs in international cricket. As he departed, the big scoreboard reads- 'You will always be remembered'.

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury