At 36, Tendulkar feels like 16

Arguably cricket's biggest icon, Sachin Tendulkar turned 36 on Friday and said he still feels like a boy of 16.

The right-hander, bracketed in the same league with the legendary Don Bradman, is currently leading the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League in South Africa.

"I feel like 16. I think it's the good wishes and blessings that count," he said.

"It's not about breaking records. It's about winning matches. It's a terrific feeling to win and that's what matters," Tendulkar said after cutting the birthday cake in company of his Mumbai Indians teammates.

Worshipped in India and equally revered across the world, Tendulkar made his debut at 16 against Pakistan before growing into a batsman who has given nightmares to bowlers across the cricketing globe.

Tendulkar said his career stats, which show more than 12,000 Test and over 16,000 ODI runs don't matter much in comparison to being part of a winning team.

"Stats are merely a reflection of an individual's contribution to the team. Ultimately it's a team sport and though individual performances matter, it's more about winning matches," he said.

Tendulkar will be joined by his wife and kids in the birthday celebrations in Durban.