Amidst the breathtaking vistas of Gulmarg, India’s cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar embarked on a journey unlike any other – his inaugural sojourn to Kashmir. Engaging in spirited gully cricket matches with locals, Tendulkar found himself amidst the picturesque surroundings, relishing every moment of the experience.
Venturing further, Tendulkar paid homage to the Aman Setu bridge, a poignant symbol marking the final frontier on the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. His hour-long visit saw him deeply engaged in conversation with the soldiers stationed at the Kaman Post, adjacent to Aman Setu, a gesture that resonated deeply with those who serve on the region’s challenging frontiers.
Sachin Tendulkar playing street cricket in Gulmarg, Kashmir. 😍pic.twitter.com/Z7lxVDNnqZ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 22, 2024
Earlier in the day, Tendulkar’s journey took him to a local bat factory, where memories of his first Kashmir willow bat flooded back. A cherished gift from his sister, it underscored the personal connections cricket fosters and the rich heritage of the sport in Kashmir. “The 1st bat given to me was by my sister and it was a Kashmir willow bat. Tendulkar shared on social media, encapsulating the nostalgia and joy of revisiting his cricketing roots.
On his way to Kashmir, along with his wife Anjali, Sachin traveled in an economy-class flight. Many passengers on board greeted the Bharat Ratna with ‘Sachin Sachin’ chants. He was humbled and thanked everyone, and his wife, Anjali, was seen smiling in the background.
Sachin is still associated with the sport and continues to play games now and then. He actively participates in the Road Safety World Series every year, a tournament organized for retired players. He is also working as a mentor with Mumbai Indians and is often seen sitting in the dugout during games.
Dhairya Saraswat