We have grown up together for the last 20 years or so. From the day you as a ‘boy’ came out of the crease to hit Abdul Qadir for a six at the age of 19, you’ve been a part of my  life.

I followed every step of yours, professional or personal. You remained like an Arjuna, eyes glued to your goal. No bowler in the world could rattle you neither with his ball nor with his sledging. They loved you, they hated you but no reporter could manage an angry outburst from you. No political leader could claim your alliance. You never allowed any maiden to Bowl you as you did rarely allow anyone bowl maidens to you. No wrong statements, no clarifications later, no nothing. You were like a giant ship sailing in the ocean in its majestic way, come what the weather may.

And in this long journey which for any human being would be next to impossible to survive in such a physically and mentally demanding game… you survived. Dips you did see, but you bounced back and that too in Style. You made the life of the kids easier. Any batting record in cricket, would be easier for a kid to take your name as the chances were that it stood in your name.

We look back. Look back at the tracks you traveled  Wow… we can but exclaim spontaneously… wow. You have set the bar so high, that at times it is rather discouraging for the future generations to even think of reaching there. I think again… as to whether this is humanly possible. No wonder they call you the God of cricket.

Yeah… can’t imagine switching on the TV when India plays and not finding your there. People say… you gotta Quit. You say, you are the best to judge when to quit. You are going through a lean phase now that I hear all kinds of noise around. I don’t know when you will spring a surprise on me and silence everyone around as you have done innumerable times in the past.

But then SRT, It’s been too long. C’mon… I know it is a painfully tough call. I cannot see you going out in silence. I want you to go out in style the way you came in. A Lion safeguards its pride for as long as it is Driven out by the younger Lions. I can’t bear to see you being driven out. I want you to move out on your own. Head held high. Giving a sense of feeling in me that, this guy still had some more to go.

Think about it.