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Sachin Tendulakar celebrated his 40th birthday by cutting a cake at an event organised by Mumbai Indians in Kolkata on Wednesday.
"(I have) never been so tense actually while cutting a cake. Thank you everybody for this gesture. It's really touching," said the batting icon at a brief cake-cutting ceremony, where his wife Anjali was also present.
The veteran batsman said it was former teammate Anil Kumble's wishes that helped calm the nerves.
"While walking to get here, I met Anil Kumble along the way who wished me 'Happy Birthday' and told me, 'don't worry, 40 is just a number.'
"So that was sort of relieving," he said, with a smile.
Thanking his billions of fans worldwide, Tendulkar said it was because of their good wishes that he could continue playing more than two decades after his international debut.
"Let me take this opportunity to thank all the people in India and well-wishers all over the world who have supported me and showered me with unconditional love," he said.