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PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
Rediff.com presents the cricket-crazy fans at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
-Farewell Sachin... write a postcard to the batting icon
'Commit all your sins when Sachin Tendulkar is batting. They will go unnoticed because even the Lord is watching!' read a banner during a Test in England.
But then today, during the first day of the Little Master’s last Test match, even sinners had a day off.
When this fan who sent us these photographs reached Gate No 3 at the Wankhede stadium, he was told by the security to leave his bag outside. 'No bags allowed inside, leave it outside the gate at your own risk and collect it on your way back, if you are lucky enough to find it,' said a guard.
He took a chance, removed his wallet, keys and a small digital camera, stuffed them in his pockets and left the bag with lesser valuables outside the gate.
Guess what? He found his bag at the same place with all the stuff intact when he returned after the day's play.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
The crowd cheered for everything. When Tendulkar's mother's video was flashed on the big screens, the crowd gave a standing ovation. Here a mother and daughter enjoy the match.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
Sachiiiiin Sachin! – was a regular chant. But today there were some new ones.
When the West Indies were batting, the crowd screamed, “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudchaya over Sachinla dya (give the next over to Sachin)”
There was also 'Tendulkar, Bowling Kar'
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
Today Pakistan was forgotten.
No matter which team plays in Mumbai, there is always a 'Pakistan Hai Hai'. Today it was forgotten, or should one say spared.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
Ice cream was sold at Rs 50 and 60, sandwiches for Rs 60, two samosas for Rs 50. Too expensive?
No one was complaining, because 'God' was playing for the last time.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
They came in all sizes. Tiny tots on their parents’ shoulders or laps; and all had a gala time.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
Normally the North stand, where the tickets used to be the cheapest, was the most vocal. It also used to be the loudest. Now, the Sachin Tendulkar Stand seems to have taken on the mantle. The crowd there was more colorful and animated.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
In spite of being at the venue, this fan didn't see a single West Indian wicket fall. Why? He was enjoying the frenzy around him. Like this guy!!!!
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
The lanky Ishant was the butt of jokes. He was booed at places. But today it was all forgotten. He was cheered, when he came with the drinks. Ishant was blushing when Virat Kolhi asked him to acknowledge the crowd. This lady had a hearty laugh with the others, when Ishant was cheered.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
Mumbaikars have learnt the Mexican wave. Yes.
A decade ago when one watched a match at Wankhede, the crowd was not good with the Mexican wave. It use to fizzle out even before it completed a full round. Today the crowd managed a good five to six rounds of Mexican wave.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
When he faced the crowd, they cheered. When he fielded the ball, they cheered. When he polished the ball, they cheered. The crowd didn’t need reason to stand on their feet.
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
The crowd wanted Tendulkar in soon. They appealed each time Shikhar Dhawan or Murali Vijay was beaten. When appeals by the West Indies team against these two batsmen were turned down, they booed the umpires.
Seen that happen before?
PHOTOS: Sachin fanfare at the Wankhede
The West Indies team gave the Little Master a guard of honour, amid 'Sachiiiin!!! Sachin' being chanted in the stands. A moment to cherish!