Chris Gayle and I were in tears when Sachin Tendulkar got out in his last Test: Kirk Edwards

The last Test of Sachin Tendulkar’s career was an event in India. West Indies was invited to play a two-match series and the second Test match was hosted by the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. No wonder the stadium was jam-packed for all the days of action and many had anticipated the master blaster to bow out on a high. And the atmosphere was electric in the middle with even the visiting players being thrilled with the occasion.

Kirk Edwards was the part of the touring party and even though he didn’t play the iconic Test, he was involved in the game due to Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement. Rather Edwards has now revealed that he and Chris Gayle became emotional after the Indian legend got out for the last time in his career.

After bundling out the Caribbean side for just 182 runs in the first innings, India ended Day 1 at 157/2 with Cheteshwar Pujara and Tendulkar at the crease on 34 and 38 respectively. The latter was looking in good touch and many hoped for him to notch up a three-figure score for one final time in his career. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as he got out on 74 to Narsingh Deonarine.

There was complete silence in the stadium but soon the crowd realised that a legendary career was ending and they stood for the man to applaud his efforts over almost 24 years. At that time, Kirk Edwards was in the field next to Chris Gayle and both became emotional. Recalling the moment, the former said that they tried not to cry but it was an extremely sad moment for them.

“For the 200th Test match, I was there. It was very emotional for me as well. I had my shades on. I was next to Gayle as well. The both of us were sniffing (tearing up). We tried to not let water fall out of our eyes. It was a very touching moment. Knowing that you’re never gonna see this guy in the park again playing cricket,” Edwards said while speaking to CricTracker in an Instagram live session.

Kirk Edwards remembers getting a message from Sachin Tendulkar

Speaking more about the master blaster, the 35-year-old recalled how Sachin Tendulkar had made him comfortable during the early stages of his career. He stated that Tendulkar came to him and told to enjoy his game after the third match of his career. Moreover, it was the legend from India who messaged Edwards when the latter was going through a tough time during England tour.

“I have been seeing what it’s about when Sachin’s involved. He’s actually a guy who played a very important role in my career as well in terms of encouraging me, even down to my gear. I used Adidas bat, but it was a Sachin Tendulkar Adidas. He was responsible for that. Because, after my third Test match, he was the guy who came over to me and told me that he enjoyed my batting in the series and you know I was like, freaked out, like I couldn’t believe it.

That was great confidence for me going forward and then we always keep in touch via texts and stuff like that. So, when I was having a harder time in England, I remember, in Edgbaston he had sent me a text message. He gave me great confidence to understand that even the best go through tough times like these. It’s no problem, just keep working.