I remember the first time I met Sachin was in Chandigarh in 1996, on the eve of a Test match against Sri Lanka. The team management had called me to have a look at me. I was about 16 years old then.
I went to the nets and was finally called to bowl. So I bowled in front of him and other senior members of the team. That was the first time I saw him. I was very scared then, wondering what was going to happen. There were all these big names there, Azhar, Sachin, Sidhu and Kumble, and I was in awe of all of them.
At my debut Test, in 1998, I could hardly realise what was happening, but he was always there for me and any other newcomer, trying to make us feel at home. But I was scared of him. Every time he came in front of me, I would go silent. I was scared to approach him because he wa
If I saw him coming, I would go out the other way, or if by chance, our paths crossed, I would greet him saying, 'Good morning sir'. He still pulls my leg about that.
I remember once we were flying to Sharjah. Harvinder Singh and I were sitting on the seats beside Sachin. Neither of us knew English. The air hostess would ask us something, and we would just look at each other wondering what to say.
We were feeling awkward and the thought that Sachin might hear us speaking incorrect English. He has never forgotten this story either. He has a great sense of humour about which no one knows. He can trigger a laugh riot. He is a big prankster, and has a great memory. He could remember a conversation from 100 years ago.
People love him, admire him and respect him. Even 10 Shahrukh Khans and 10 Amitabh Bachchans fade away in front of him. Everybody wants a name and fame like his. Even I want that, ever since I started playing. I have been lucky enough to play with him for 10 years.
Sachin has always given me good advice and I cherish all that he has told me. I wish all the luck in the world to a wonderful human being and an extraordinary cricketer.
s my hero.
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