Sai Baba's death dampens Tendulkar's birthday

Dubai: Sachin Tendulkar's 38th birthday, initially billed to be a gala one after India's World Cup success, turned out to be a sombre affair.

As the whole nation geared up to celebrate their cricket hero's birthday, Tendulkar was so saddened by the news of Satya Sai Baba's death that he locked himself in his hotel room in Hyderabad.

Tendulkar is in the city to play for the Mumbai Indians against Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League. Those who went up to greet him in his hotel room had to turn back on seeing the "Do not disturb" sign on his door.

Sachin Tendulkar's life in pictures

On Saturday, Tendulkar had tweeted "I am praying for Sri Satya Sai Baba's quick recovery. Hope everyone will join me in praying for his return to good health."

Soon after Tendulkar locked himself in his room, news spread that he may not even play in the IPL match.

Ardent devotee

Tendulkar has been an ardent follower of Sai Baba and has been regularly visiting his spiritual guru at Puttaparthi.

He had visited Sai Baba before the World Cup along with V.V.S. Laxman, who is also a strong Sai Baba devotee, to get his blessings.

Tendulkar was supposed to visit Puttaparthi immediately after the IPL to fulfil his vow on winning the World Cup.

The master batsman became a regular visitor to Puttaparthi after he played for Sri Satya Sai Unity Cup at Baba's behest.

Tendulkar had led an India XI against World XI on December 30, 1997 at the Hill view Stadium in Puttaparthi, Moreover, Tendulkar's cricketing idol Sunil Gavaksar is also a Sai Baba follower.

The Mumbai Indians team owners had prepared a birthday cake for Tendulkar, but he politely excused himself from cutting the cake and went straight for the match.

Even after the toss, he did not talk about Sai Baba. The organisers decided to switch off the music and turn away the cheering squads from the venue as a mark of respect to Sai Baba. A two-minute silence was also observed.

Passion for the game

When reporters approached a few Mumbai Indian players on how the legend finally agreed to play, they said: "Maybe his passion for the game overrode his sadness. Tendulkar had even returned to play in the 1999 World Cup soon after his father's demise."

Once on the field, Tendulkar played his natural game, middling the ball. He even hit four boundaries but at his score on 28, he holed out to Dale Steyn at long on off Amit Mishra.

Tendulkar's fans in Hyderbad cancelled a plan to bring a 39 kilogramme cake and instead went on to cheer for him throughout the innings.