• Home
  • Player Stories
  • Otd Sachin Tendulkar Said Goodbye To Cricket With An Emotional Farewell Speech

OTD: Sachin Tendulkar Said Goodbye To Cricket With An Emotional Farewell Speech

Jatin

Sachin Tendulkar retired OTD in 2013 [Source: @EshaSanju15/x.com]Sachin Tendulkar retired OTD in 2013 [Source: @EshaSanju15/x.com]

On November 16, 2013, India held its breath as Sachin Tendulkar, the heartbeat of cricket, gave his farewell speech at Wankhede Stadium. It’s been eleven years, but the memory of that day still tugs at every fan’s heart.

Sachin, the Master Blaster himself, was stepping away after 24 glorious years on the pitch, and he poured his heart out in an emotional goodbye that left everyone—fans, teammates, even the ball boys—in tears.

OTD in 2013: When Sachin Tendulkar’s Farewell Speech Left India in Tears

The Wankhede crowd was electrifying yet emotional as they knew that this was the last time they would see the India stalwart walk onto the field. The match against West Indies was a win for India, but it was Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell speech that left fans teary-eyed.

When he took the mic, there was a hush over the crowd, and then he spoke, his voice heavy with emotion, asking everyone to settle down. It was the beginning of an extremely sad farewell that no one was ready for.

Remembering His Father’s Words

Sachin talked about his father, who passed away in the middle of his career. His dad’s advice was simple - “Chase your dreams, but be a good human.”

His mother, who prayed every day for him, took care of everything to keep him healthy, dealing with his energy and mischief all through his childhood.

A Tribute to His Big Brother, Ajit

Then came a thank you to his elder brother, Ajit—the person who saw that little spark in young Sachin and took him to the legendary Achrekar Sir. Sachin shared stories about how Ajit sacrificed his own career to push Sachin forward. In fact, even the night before his last match, the two were discussing Sachin’s technique and how to stay at his best for this final game.

The Real MVP – His Wife, Anjali

And then there was Anjali, his wife, who stood by him through thick and thin during his career on and off the field. He called her his “best partnership,” and with good reason. Through his ups, downs, frustrations, and endless travel, Anjali was there, keeping the family together.

A Promise to His Kids, Sara and Arjun

Sachin’s kids, Sara and Arjun, were his two “diamonds.” He apologized to them for all the birthdays and school events he missed but promised to make up for lost time. Now that his cricket career was over, he’d finally be there for them. The crowd was misty-eyed, imagining how tough it must have been for them to share their dad with the whole nation.

A Salute to Friends and His First Coach

Sachin also thanked his school coach, Achrekar Sir, the man who’d drive him around on a scooter from one ground to another, making sure he got enough practice. The two had a bond that went beyond cricket. On a lighter note, Sachin joked that Achrekar Sir never said “well played” so that he’d stay grounded.

He thanked friends who’d woken up at all hours to bowl to him, to make him believe that his career wasn’t over, even during the toughest times.

The “Sachin, Sachin” Chant That Will Echo Forever

Finally, Sachin spoke directly to the fans, who had supported him since day one. “Sachin, Sachin” will always be with him, he said, ringing in his ears “until my last breath.” That line left a lump in everyone’s throat.

One Last Lap Around Wankhede

After the speech, Sachin took a lap around Wankhede and waved goodbye to the fans one last time. His teammates lifted him on their shoulders, just like he had been carrying the weight of a billion dreams for almost 25 years. 

It was the perfect send-off for a man who had done it all - over 15,000 Test runs, 18,000+ ODI runs, hundred centuries, and an entire career full of memorable moments.