PHOTOS: Tendulkar celebrates birthday with Mumbai Indians mates

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar turned 39 on Tuesday and celebrated the occasion with a simple get-together with his Mumbai Indians teammates in the evening at the team hotel in Chandigarh.

Even though Tendulkar had no special plans for his birthday, his Mumbai Indians teammates cut a cake after returning to the hotel from practice at the PCA stadium in Mohali, ahead of Wednesday's IPL match against Kings XI Punjab.

"Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. I am grateful to God. I appreciate the love I have received over the years from my fans, players and well-wishers," Tendulkar said.

Later in the evening, the five-star hotel where Mumbai Indians is staying is likely to host a small party to celebrate the birthday, Tendulkar's first after his 100th international century.

"We are ready with our arrangements, but so far there is no word from Tendulkar's side," a senior official of hotel JW Marriott said.

Sources said a five kilos cake was prepared, with the cricket field being the theme.

Earlier in the day, Tendulkar released a book on him, published by The Hindu group of publications.

Titled Sachin -- A Tribute To The Legend, it is a collection of published reports of the matches in which Tendulkar scored his 100 international tons.

Besides, it has some rare pictures of the veteran batsman and a range of interesting statistics.

Tendulkar expressed gratitude to the newspaper after releasing the book.

"It gives me immense pleasure to launch this book. All the efforts taken by The Hindu mean a lot to me. Over the years I have made lot of friends and they are dear ones.

"Our friendship has grown in a similar manner as The Hindu has grown. I cherish each and every moment I have shared with them," said Tendulkar flanked by Mumbai Indians coach Robin Singh and captain Harbhajan Singh.

The book was conceptualized after Tendulkar registered his 100th international century in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Mirpur on March 16.