Thaindian News

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) The controversies surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) took a backseat as ciricketers, Bollywood stars and politicians wished batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar a happy 37th birthday Saturday and and hoped for his speedy recovery for Sunday’s final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
Tendulkar is doubtful for the IPL final as he has stitches on his hand and is struggling to recover in time for the match.

Leading the state in greeting Sachin, Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranaraynn said “the entire nation and cricket lovers across the world are proud” to see him setting new records in all formats of cricket.

“As a great admirer of your style and sense of commitment to the nation, I join the millions of your fans in wishing you a Very Special Birthday,” the governor said in a message.

“While congratulating you, I hope you will continue to set newer records in the years to come,” Sankaranarayanan said.

Tendulkar’s Mumbai Indians team mate Harbhajan Singh, greeting the maestro said he is “not 37 years old, but 37 years young, as he continues to play with the zeal of an enthusiastic youngster even today.”

Harbhajan said he always felt very close to Tendulkar and looked up to him for advice in his good and bad times.

“In fact I think I have reached this stage in life only because of his support,” he added gallantly.

In a special front-page article on the occasion, Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna paid a tribute to the master-blaster and wished him many more records for the future.

Rajasthan Royals captain and Australian spin legend Shane Warne also wished Tendulkar via Twitter.

“Happy birthday to the little master and my friend Sachin!! Hope he is not injured for the final… Good luck to both teams,” Warne said on his Twitter account.

Yuvraj Singh tweeted: “Happy birthday Master Blaster. Lots of love n best of wishes for the final.”

Bollywood was also not behind as veteran actor Anupam Kher said Tendulkar is a “reason to be proud of being an Indian”.

“Happy birthday Sachin. You are one of THE reasons to be proud of being an Indian. Tks 4 helping us Rise above the pettiness of our surroundings,” Kher said.

Bollywood superstar and owner of Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan wished Tendulkar a happy birthday and hoped that he recover for the final.

“Happy Birthday Sachin. Hope ur fingers heal soon,” Khan said.