New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar’s mother-in-law Annabel Mehta is sure that the just-retired cricket icon would remain in touch with the game he considers to be his oxygen, but doesn’t want him to rush into anything.

Tendulkar bid a tearful farewell to the game after 24 years following his 200th Test on Saturday.

The Tendulkar family and the parents of his wife Anjali were also present at the Wankhede stadium, where Sachin delivered a heart-warming farewell speech.

“I think we were all moved by his speech. It was amazing. How he managed to make such a speech when he was so emotional I just don’t know. The love and respect he got from all over the country was amazing,” Annabel said.

For her, Sachin has been the best son-in-law anyone can have. She is happy that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna.

“I adore his honesty and integrity, humility, intelligence and understanding and most of all, his love for his family. I’m proud to have a son-in-law like him. Thank goodness he’s not retiring from that,” she said.

Asked about the future plans of the champion batsman, she said she would advice him to take it easy and give himself enough time before deciding anything.

“I will advise him to take time before deciding what he will like to become involved in, not rush into anything just now,” said the British-origin social worker, who runs the NGO Apnalaya for street children in Mumbai.

She also said he may take up golf or tennis to maintain his physical fitness.

“I think he will continue to work on his physical fitness, maybe take up golf or tennis. His wife plans for him to take over some of the responsibilities of running the house, I don’t know what she has in mind for him,” she quipped.

“He used to enjoy cooking in the early years, which was a good thing as Anjali had no interest in cooking,” she joked.

Annabel also revealed that former West Indies batsman Brian Lara has invited Tendulkar to visit Trinidad. “Lara told me that he has invited him to visit Trinidad, so I told him to invite his mother-in-law too! I have always wanted to visit the West Indies,” she said. She also added that Sachin will never be without cricket as his son -- Arjun -- is in love with the game.

“He will not be without cricket as his son is passionate about the game. Maybe the only playing he will do now will be with Arjun in the nets at home. However, I am sure he will remain in touch with the game in some capacity,” she said. (PTI)