10 reasons why the cricket world will miss Sachin Tendulkar

1. The Hope of a billion – carried with grace, dignity and humility

Along with Rahul Dravid, Sachin too has carried himself with the utmost dignity while remaining untouched by needless controversy as much as possible.

His middle-class roots have certainly contributed to this, but it was his long association with childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar that inculcated a sense of discipline and hard work while being humble at the same time.

It is not easy to shoulder the hopes of a billion Indian fans and many more around the world for over two decades, leading some to wonder whether Tendulkar is actually human. Yet, he has done so with aplomb and in his own unassuming self.

Flashy stuff, air kisses, publicity stunts – none of these have been seen in the great man who has earned all his riches the hard way. He is as simple as ever, and dignified in his approach both on and off the field.

For his sheer admirable characteristics, if not for his batting exploits, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar will leave a hole in the hearts of the cricketing fraternity across the world.