• Home
  • Player Stories
  • Rohit Sharma Played The Perfect Tribute To Sachin Tendulkar At Wankhede With Sparkling Show

Rohit Sharma Played The Perfect Tribute To Sachin Tendulkar At Wankhede With Sparkling Show

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit Sharma made Sachin Tendulkar proud at Wankhede back in 2013 [Source: @jod_insane/X.com]Rohit Sharma made Sachin Tendulkar proud at Wankhede back in 2013 [Source: @jod_insane/X.com]

The Wankhede Stadium, one of India’s most iconic cricketing venues, celebrated its 50th anniversary on January 19, 2025. Over the decades, it has witnessed countless unforgettable moments, from MS Dhoni’s World Cup-winning six in 2011 to Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking exploits. Yet, one memory stands above the rest, Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test against the West Indies in November 2013. 

The match wasn’t just about bidding goodbye to the 'God of Cricket', it also marked the moment when Rohit Sharma, Tendulkar’s ardent fanboy, paid a fitting tribute to his idol with a scintillating knock.

The Match Where Rohit Sharma Bid Adieu To His Idol In Style

Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th and final Test match was played at the Wankhede Stadium from November 14 to 16, 2013. The build-up to the match was electric, with fans flocking to Mumbai to catch a last glimpse of their hero. Tendulkar did not disappoint, scoring an elegant 74 in what would be his final innings, leaving the crowd in awe of his timeless class.

Amid the emotional highs of Tendulkar’s farewell, a young Rohit Sharma emerged as the star of the match. Fresh from a century on debut in the previous Test at Kolkata, Rohit followed it up with a magnificent 111 not out at Wankhede. 

India Dominates West Indies With Masterclass Performance

India dominated the farewell Test against the West Indies, winning by an innings and 126 runs. The visitors were bowled out for 182 in their first innings, with Pragyan Ojha taking five wickets. India’s reply was commanding, thanks to contributions from Cheteshwar Pujara (113), Virat Kohli (57), and most notably, Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 111. Sachin Tendulkar’s graceful 74 added an emotional layer to the innings.

Rohit’s knock was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. Walking in with India at 315/4, he steadied the innings before unleashing a flurry of boundaries. His innings, laced with 11 fours and three sixes, showcased his ability to dominate bowlers while maintaining composure. Pragyan Ojha’s second five-wicket haul sealed the match, bundling out the West Indies for 187 in their second innings. 

Though India won the match with overall contributions from the team, what stood out was Rohit's perfect tribute to the man, to his 'God', he idolized since childhood.

Rohit, The True Sachin Fanboy

Rohit Sharma’s admiration for Sachin Tendulkar began in his school days. He once borrowed a copy of The Making of a Cricketer, written by Sachin’s elder brother Ajit Tendulkar, and devoured every word. Despite their contrasting upbringings, Tendulkar’s middle-class, intellectual background and Rohit’s modest beginnings, Rohit found a deep connection to Sachin’s journey. “That book made me feel like I was part of his universe,” Rohit once said.

Rohit’s devotion to Tendulkar extended beyond books. As a schoolboy, he bunked classes to watch Tendulkar bat in a Ranji Trophy match in 2000. Years later, Rohit found himself sharing the dressing room with his idol, and their bond grew stronger. Tendulkar’s simplicity and encouragement left a lasting impression, especially during Rohit’s lean patches. “He told me not to worry about my form and that every cricketer goes through tough times,” Rohit recalled in an interaction.

Rohit's Fitting Tribute

Rohit Sharma’s performance in the West Indies series earned him the Player of the Series award for his 288 runs across two Tests. More importantly, it solidified his position as the torchbearer of Mumbai’s rich batting tradition, a legacy defined by Tendulkar himself. For Rohit, the century was more than just runs on the board; it was a heartfelt tribute to the man who inspired his cricketing journey.