Step aside Narendra Modi, it is the Sachin wave that has swept India these days. Do not believe us? Read on to know the Breaking News on Sachin Mania that has gripped the entire country.
Sachin merchandise
Sachin is everywhere these days-on T shirts, coffee mugs, books, posters, wallets, bags and almost anything and everything. eBay has even launched a microsite selling exclusive Sachin merchandise.
Website selling tickets for the match crashes
The official website appointed by the Mumbai Cricket Association for the sale of tickets of Sachin's last match in Mumbai crashed after a few minutes of going live.
Sachin statues and museums
Everyone wants to have a little bit of Sachin or so it seems. From naming cricket grounds to constructing Sachin Statues, it is Sachin all the way. Here's a case in point. Bhojpuri actor Manish Tiwari has announced that he would be installing a life size statue of the master blaster at his ancestral village in Bihar. Even Mumbai Cricket Association has decided to name the Kandivali Cricket ground after Sachin. But the cherry on top was Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association decision to build a museum dedicated to Sachin.
Bollywood goes crazy for Sachin
When everyone is going crazy over Sachin, how can Bollywood be far behind? Sachin's last match will be a star studded affair. With news that Aamir Khan is all set to join the spectators at Wankhede stadium, along with Deepika and Ranvir who may also come to watch Sachin, it shouldn't come as a surprise if more seats are taken up by the Bollywood glitterati.
Deriving inspiration from musician Piloo Bhattacharya, who had released an album "We miss you Sachin" on the event of Sachin's 199th test match in Kolkata, the makers of Dhoom 3 have decided to dedicate the movie's title song "Dhoom Machale" to Sachin at Wankhede Stadium. Singer Kailash Kher has also come up with a new song dedicated to Sachin.
And royalty too!
When Prince Charles, who is presently touring the country, was quizzed about Sachin's retirement he said -"He is a master. I wish him a very happy retirement." Legendry cricketer Brian Lara had this to say about Sachin's retirement-"If I had a son who wanted to play cricket I wouldn't have told him to watch my videos but instead ask him to look for Sachin's (videos) as he has the perfect technique against any kind of bowling. It is the best I have ever seen. Perfect for a youngster to learn from."
Sachin-the next Sports Minister?
Perhaps, it's time for Sachin to step into the boots of the Sports Minister, thinks Milkha Singh as he mentioned it to the press in Chandigarh. "Tendulkar should be made the sports minister. He has full knowledge about sports and it can be of immense help in lifting the standard of sports in the country. If he becomes the minister, the standard of sports will definitely go up." Wrestler Sushil Kumar, 2 times Olympic gold medalist for India had also said that he wanted Sachin to be the next Sports Minister at a recent event.