In Sachin Tendulkar’s last Test series, Rohit Sharma emerged the Man of the Series. The baton had been passed from one Mumbai cricketer to the other. As the legend bid an emotional adieu to his game, Rohit announced himself to the arena with 288 runs. Despite his own stellar performance, Rohit was happy to talk about Tendulkar in his interaction with the media.

“I have never played such a big match in my life and I am pleased to have contributed to the team’s win. We wanted to give this special man something special by winning the game for him on his home turf,” Rohit said.

Grown up idolizing the master batsman, Rohit said the Indian team will miss much more than just his batting. “He brings so many things to the table. It’s not only about batting; the way you conduct yourself on the field is equally important. He has been a role model for not only me but other players as well. We will miss his advice on how to prepare for an overseas series and what one should do to succeed in different conditions.

“I remember having a chat with him before my first tour to South Africa in 2010 and the interactions I had with him during the 2008 CB Series in Australia. These talks with him helped me understand that playing abroad is not an easy job. I don’t know how we will react to the tough situations we will be confronted with in the future without him around.

“We need to get over this quickly but I don’t know how we are going to do it. It is not going to be easy. The thought that Sachin Tendulkar will not be in the dressing room again will continue to trouble us for a few days,” said an emotional Rohit.

While Tendulkar’s presence in the Indian dressing room will be missed, Rohit has figured out a way to ensure he doesn’t lose his batting mentor. His home is 5 minutes away from mine so I can pop in there any time I want,” he joked.

“Every time I have gone to him for help, he has always welcomed me. Even when I am out there batting, he sends out the message if I am not doing something right.”

The Wankhede Stadium went in a frenzy, with chants of ‘Sachinnnn Sachin’ on everyone’s mouth and tears in everyone’s eyes. But Rohit shut out the world and savoured every moment of seeing Sachin Tendulkar in India colours for one final time.

“It was a really emotional speech that he gave and we were all very emotional. Honestly, I didn’t know what was happening around me. My eyes were fixed on Sachin. It was the last time I was seeing him in India whites and I didn’t want to miss a moment of it. I wanted enough of Sachin Tendulkar memories to think of when I go home,” he said.