Sachin Tendulkar

Adelaide: There were shrieks of “Sachin, Sachin” both at the Perth airport and on Team India’s arrival here, on Monday evening.

If that’s par for the course each time Sachin Tendulkar becomes visible, there’s been nothing very unusual in the manner crowds have greeted him every time that he’s left the dressing room to take guard.

The reception, perhaps, could be more emotional in Adelaide — the late Sir Donald Bradman’s home turf.

Sir Don, after all, made his admiration for Sachin very clear some five years before he died, in early 2001.

“Yes, the crowds have been very respectful and very affectionate… It has been a humbling experience,” Sachin told The Telegraph.

That this could well be his last tour of Australia (his first was in 1991-92) is probably one reason why fans have been so hysterical.

“Well, the welcome has perhaps been more emotional this time… But, then, I can’t say why… What I’ll say is that I’m thankful for all the support given to me and the team,” Sachin remarked.

The fans, clearly, are thankful for the countless hours of absolute enjoyment.