The legend has decided to call it a day. Sachin Tendulkar will announce his retirement at the end of the second Test match against in Mumbai. Incidentally, it will be Tendulkar’s 200th Test.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision to invite West Indies for a short tour came very handy for Tendulkar to retire at home, in front of his supporters, friends, well-wishers and family members.

The Eden Gardens was also in contention for the historic Test, but the Master Blaster wanted to have the farewell game in Mumbai so that his mother can watch him play the final match before bowing out. To compensate the Eden Gardens, the Board allotted Tendulkar’s 199th Test to be played from November 6. Kolkata, as a venue, saw Tendulkar play his final IPL match when Mumbai Indians beat Chennai Super Kings to emerge champions for the first time.

The Mumbai Test will mark Tendulkar’s final game of cricket in any form.

Both the Cricket Association of Bengal and the Mumbai Cricket Association plan a befitting send off to the little genius. It is going to be a moment of sadness, for Tendulkar will never be seen wielding the willow again.

To share such rare moments with Tendulkar, it is indeed important to create an atmosphere that will be befitting for the occasion. It should be cherished by those who are lucky to be present on both the venues.

Keeping the importance of the occasion in mind, the two associations should approach the farewell function in a manner that will not only uphold the game of Test cricket, but also salute Tendulkar for his contributions to the game.

>sabanayakan.s@thehindu.co.in

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