Tendulkar is a 'Bharat Ratna' in hearts of people: BJP

Hailing Sachin Tendulkar's contribution to cricket, BJP on Sunday said the nation will remain grateful to him and the living legend will remain a "Bharat Ratna" in the hearts of the people.

As Tendulkar announced his retirement from one-day format of the game, party spokesperson Prakash Javedkar said, "He is 'Bharat Ratna' in the hearts of the people whether government gives him the title or not."

As he is still playing test cricket, the nation hopes he will create more records, the spokesman said.

Sachin on Sunday retired from one-day internationals (ODI) after a glorious career spanning 23 years during which he re-wrote record books with his phenomenal feats.

The 39-year-old player conveyed his decision to the Board of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI), which issued a statement on his behalf.

—PTI