Sachin Tendulkar turns 39

At a private party hosted by industrialist Rajiv Bali here Sunday night at his residence here, Sachin was almost looking shy as he cut the cake to ring in his birthday.

He wore a deep brown T-shirt with colourful butterfly motifs. His wife, Anjali, in a black ensemble, was with him and the couple shared the first bite of the cake. The cake itself was the figure of '100' - after all it was his first birthday after scoring hundred centuries in international cricket.

Sachin, who arrived here Sunday afternoon from Mumbai for his IPL team Mumbai Indians' match against Kings XI Punjab to be played here Wednesday, seemed relaxed at the party which had a select gathering, including some of his Mumbai Indians (MI) teammates.

Sachin obliged guests, including some children who were ready with their miniature and full-size cricket bats to get them autographed. Sachin agreed to pose for photographs for almost everyone who walked up to him for one.

"He was so nice to everyone. I had my photos clicked with him and even got his autograph," budding cricketer Adiraj Singh, 13, told IANS at the party.

In between the signing of cricket bats, autograph sheets and posing for pictures, Sachin could be seen chatting with friends, including his IPL teammates and former cricketer-turned-commentator Atul Wassan.

He could be seen pouring his drink, Laphroaig single malt with soda, at the bar.

"It's great to have Sachin over on this special day," host Bali told IANS.

Even past midnight, Sachin could be seen chatting separately with his MI teammates - perhaps finalising the strategy for Wednesday's match.

Sachin Tendulkar returns to practice for Mumbai Indians

Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday received throwdowns from Mumbai Indians' video analyst, raising hopes of his return to action ahead of the team's Indian Premier League match against Delhi Daredevils on April 16.

The batsman has missed Mumbai's previous three games due to a finger injury sustained while fending a snorter from Doug Bollinger in the season opener against Chennai Super Kings on April 4.

Tendulkar receiving throwdowns from Dhananjay for about 45 minutes, was a welcome news for Mumbai, who are missing the senior batsman's presence at the top of the batting order.

In Tendulkar's absence, Mumbai have experimented with Ambati Rayudu and T Suman as partners for South African Richard Levi, without much success.

"He had started gym sessions yesterday at the BKC ground but did not do any batting practice. He has started practising only today," a team source informed.

Tendulkar did not take part in the net session after facing the throwdowns, but is expected to do so on Sunday.

Team mentor and bowling coach Shaun Pollock had indicated a day before Mumbai's previous match against Rajasthan Royals on April 11, that the cricketer would be available to play in the game against the Daredevils.

Sachin had missed the tie against Rajasthan and was also unable to play against Pune Warriors here and against Deccan Chargers in Vishakapatnam on April 6 and 9 respectively.

Sachin hands over captaincy of Mumbai Indians to Harbhajan

After having led the Mumbai Indians for four years, Sachin Tendulkar handed over the reigns of the team to off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Sachin Tendulkar decided to hand over the captaincy of Mumbai Indians in the fifth edition of IPL to Harbhajan Singh following a discussion with the management of Mumbai Indians. 

 

"Sachin Tendulkar in discussion with the management of Mumbai Indians has decided to hand over the responsibilities of captaining Mumbai Indians in fifth season of the Indian Premier League to ace off spinner Harbhajan Singh," a press release issued by Mumbai Indians stated. 

 

Sachin Tendulkar has quit from the post of MI captain. Pic/AFP

"The Mumbai Indians is more than a team. It is like a family to me. At this point of time, I feel I need a break from the responsibility of captaincy of the Mumbai Indians. After due consideration, I discussed my intention to hand over the Captainship of the team to Harbhajan Singh, with Mukeshbhai and Nitabhabhi," Tendulkar was quoted in the media release. 

 

Tendulkar further stated, "I was touched by the graciousness and wholehearted support they offered me while emphasising that they would accept any decision which helps me to continue enjoying the game. Harbhajan will have my wholehearted support as the senior most player in the team." 

 

Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani termed it as a "difficult moment when Sachin expressed his desire to relinquish the captaincy." 

 

"But we believe that Sachin is the best judge on such matters and hence, as always, we fully support his decison. I have learnt a lot during the last three seasons working with Sachin closely. Sachin is the soul of Mumbai Indians, and I am sure he will guide Bhajji as he takes on the responsibility of captaining Mumbai Indians," Nita Ambani said. 

 

Harbhajan termed this as a "huge honour" as he thanked Sachin and Mrs Ambani for entrusting this responsibility. 

 

"Sachin paaji spoke to me about his decision of wanting me to take over the responsibility of the team. It is huge honour and I thank Paaji and Nita Bhabhi for the faith reposed in my abilities", he said. 

 

"Mumbai Indians is a great team with explosive talent and promising youngsters. I am committed to do the very best and look forward to leading the team to play to its full potential during the season," Harbhajan added.

Sachin available for entire IPL 5

“Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar will be joining the in-progress camp at Wankhede Stadium from 31st March 2012 and is fully available for the entire IPL season 5. Sachin, is in UK to consult his doctor and will be back in India to join the camp from 31st March”, Spokesperson, Mumbai Indians.