I don't know about you guys, but being born in the early 90s, I was privileged enough to watch some of the greatest Sachin moments live on TV (and sometimes in the stadium), and lucky enough to see him go from a devastating batsman to a legend. I grew up with his legend, his legend being the legend of Indian cricket, the number of people he's inspired, and the sheer amount of skill and style he possesses. 

Frankly there aren't novels I'm not willing to write for this man, and I frankly believe we are all lucky to be in the same era as the one where we got to see Sachin set the stadium on fire. So without further ado, let's take a look at his greatest moments.

1. The Desert Storm

India were facing the Australian side that was out for their blood, looking for the first sign to close in and finish the job in a match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Aussies had hit a mind numbing 284 (come on guys it was still 1998), and put the pressure on the Indian side who not only needed to win the match, but also keep a decent run rate. 

In walked Sachin Tendulkar in what would be the match that made him immortal. On that day, the Aussies saw the full wrath of Sachin's devastating batting. The wickets kept falling but the Bomber from Bombay did not falter, instead he stood tall, hitting the balls out of the park whenever and wherever he could. 

Sachin went on to score 143, his momentum not breaking despite a literal desert storm interrupting the match. Shane Warne went on to joke that Sachin's batting on that day still gives him nightmares. 

Imagine watching this as a 7 year old child. It was magic on Television, it was like watching all your favourite cartoons come to life, only this was real, and was some of the finest cricket in the sport's history.

2. Demolition at Centurion 

The year was 2003, the World Cup's 36th match was slotted for March 1st, 2003, against arch rivals India and Pakistan. The stage was set, as it is with any match up with India and Paksitan, and the nation watched holding their breaths. 

Pakistan back then had a lethal bowling line up, helmed by fast bowler Shoaib 'Rawalpindi Express' Akhtar, a bowler that has given even the most skilled batsmen a run for their money. But even he couldn't do anything against the Master Blaster, as Sachin hit boundary after boundary, scoring 98 runs in 75 balls, to deafening roars from the crowds cheering him on. It was one of Sachin's finest moments, pure class cricket and a treat to fans. 

3. First To Score A Double Century In ODI 

The turn of the decade saw many players smash the 200 runs milestone, but the first one to ever do so was none other than the Little Master himself, on February 24, 2010 in Gawilor, against the South African side, and what a blitzkrieg that was. 

4. Sachin's first match as an opener 

March 27, 1994 is a special day to anyone who calls themselves a cricket lover, as it was the first time we saw Sachin's devastating batting as an opener for the very first time. Having debuted in 1989, it wasn't until 1994 when he opened, after Azharuddin decided to let him open, seeing potential in the young batsman, against New Zealand in Auckland. 

That one decision changed the history of cricket forever, as Sachin hit a smashing 82 of 49 balls, kick starting his legend. Sachin has since then always opened for Team India. 

5. The 2011 World Cup Final 

It was the day India wept, for it was the final match Sachin would play in his ODI career. Mahendra Singh Dhoni had no qualms about talking about how the world cup win was for The God of Cricket Himself, and the emotion, the adrenaline we felt as we watched it unfold, the speech at the end, and the happiness on everyone's faces, it was a day that will not be forgotten as long as there are cricket fans in the world. It was a magical moment, after a career spanning 21 years, 6 World Cups and 635 matches in all forms of the game, the victory lap after the electrifying 2011 World Cup final was pure magic. 

Kapil Dev broke down on live TV, overwhelmed with emotion, everywhere on the streets, Indians celebrated a legendary story in making, people were out on the streets, hugging, dancing and smiling from ear to ear. On that day, we were all Indian. Identity did not matter, what mattered was the twinkle in your eye and the smile on your lips, something we all could use more of in this day and age. 

What a match it was.