My wife’s wishes are very important: Sachin Tendulkar

Bowlers across the world have borne the brunt of his willow over the years. They don’t find anything funny when he’s busy smashing them to all corners of the park. But outside the cricket field, Sachin Tendulkar has a very amusing and funny side to his personality.

At a recent event that Sachin attended with his wife Anjali, son Arjun and daughter Sara, pointing to Anjali, who was sitting in the front row, Sachin said, “Behind every successful man there is a woman. But in my case, she is not behind, but in front.” This sent the audience into peals of laughter.

In fact Sachin reveals that he doesn’t have just one, but three women to whom he attributes his success. Surprised? Even we were initially. However, Sachin put all our doubts to rest. “Anjali is the pillar of strength in my life. She’s always been there when my chips were down. Then, there is my mother. These two women have played a huge role in my life. And now, there is a new addition to this group – my daughter Sara.”

Sachin, who turns 36 today, gets excited at the very mention of his favourite gifts. He says, “The greeting cards my kids have made for me are very special. Then, I cherish all the moments that I’ve spent with my father on my birthday. My wife’s wishes are also very important for me.”

He also goes on to narrate that one ‘special’ event on the cricket field, which he will never forget. “On April 24, 1998, we defeated Australia in the finals of a triangular series tournament in Sharjah. I scored a century that helped the team’s cause. That victory was a very special birthday gift,” says an ever-humble Sachin.

Finally, when asked about the one dream that he has, Sachin says with a wry smile, “You only dream when you are asleep.” Then on a serious note he adds, “I want to win the World Cup for India!”