India’s cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 43rd birthday on Sunday by playing cricket with children from the 'Make-A-Wish India' foundation in Mumbai, even as the fraternity wished him and waxed eloquence.
Tendulkar spent some time with the children, teaching them cricketing basics at the MIG Club in Bandra (Western Mumbai).
He posted a video of the same on his official Facebook page.
Tendulkar retired from all forms of cricket in November 2013 after the Test match against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium.
As he stepped into his 43rd year, wishes started to pour in on Twitter.
"Many happy returns of the day champion @sachin_rt have a blessed year!" former India captain and longtime teammate Anil Kumble wrote on his Twitter handle.
India opener Shikhar Dhawan also posted, "Happy Birthday Paaji! There never was, and never will be another Sachin!"
BCCI bigwigs -- secretary Anurag Thakur and IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla – also sent in their wishes to the batting maestro.
"Happy birthday to one and only @sachin_rt . Wishing you lots of happiness and good health," Thakur said.
Shukla wrote, "Happy birthday Sachin . May God give u more strength to serve cricket&also duties of an mp."
Suresh Raina also tweeted, "Happy birthday @sachin_rt the best man I know on and off the field. Wishing you health and success always."
Pacer S Sreesanth also wrote, "respected Sachin Paaji ,may u have the best birthday ever, ..honour knowing you ,love and respect alwys."
There were also wishes from cricketing opponents and former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq was one among many.
"Have a wonderful day brother @sachin_rt . God bless you," Saqlain said.
The good wishes were not just restricted to the cricketing fraternity.
"Happy Birthday to @sachin_rt #LivingLegend #respect #love God bless sir," said star boxer Vijender Singh.
All India Football Federation president Praful Patel wrote, "Wishing the cricket legend @sachin_rt a very Happy Birthday. May almighty bless him always."
The cricket legend amassed 15921 runs in 200 Tests and 18426 runs in 463 ODIs and is the leading run-scorer in Tests and ODIs.
He is the only cricketer to have hit 100 international centuries, and the first to score a double century in ODIs.
Tendulkar received India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna from the President Pranab Mukherjee in 2014. He is the youngest recipient to date and the first ever sportsperson to receive the honour.
