'With his knowledge, Sachin can be an administrator with BCCI'

Former BCCI secretary and vice-president Niranjan Shah tells Bikash Mohapatra there's still one more special innings left in Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is on the cusp of becoming the first player to play in 200 Test matches.

The second Test against the West Indies at the Wankhede stadium (his home ground), starting Thursday, will also be the legendary batsman’s last international appearance.

While speculation is rife about what the Master Blaster will do once he ends his 24-year long career, there are a few suggestions in the offing as well.

“One thing is for sure, he will always remain involved with cricket,” said Niranjan Shah.

“In fact, with his great knowledge about the game I can very well imagine him as a cricket administrator, working with the BCCI,” he added.

The former Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president got nostalgic during the course of the conversation.

“For me it will be a very emotional moment,” he confessed.

“I have seen him play ever since he was only 16 (for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy).

“Despite being part of the team for so many years we have not had any one-to-one conversation as such. However, there has been mutual respect for each other.

“I have been fortunate enough to witness some of his greatest innings over the years.”

The veteran Rajkot-based administrator, who was also BCCI secretary, also took the opportunity to eulogize the batting icon.

“Despite his growing stature over the years he has always been gentle and soft-spoken. His humility is probably his biggest asset. No wonder he has never been through any major controversy in his long career,” he said.

Tendulkar, he believes, has one more special innings left in him.

“I think if he ends up scoring a century in his final Test, all his fans will be happy.

“In any case, most of the great sports stars reserve their best for last,” he added.

And what about the great man’s legacy?

“Indian cricket will lose a huge icon, someone who has served for more than 20 years,” Shah explained, proceeding to elaborate upon his point.

“He is the one who puts us on top of the world. When Sachin came into the Indian team there was no satellite television.

“However, it came soon after and people have witnessed all of his great knocks.

“The last couple of generations have seen him play, and, therefore, will remember him forever.”