Birthday wishes pour in as Sachin Tendulkar turns 49

New Delhi: India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar is celebrating his 49th birthday on Sunday and the wishes poured in for Cricket Legend on social media on his special day.

Tendulkar, who is the highest scorer in international cricket till date, has registered 100 centuries across all three formats of the game.

The cricket fraternities including Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah, Virat Kohli, Mohammad Kaif and others extended their wishes on Tendulkar's birthday.

Ex-India captain Kohli took to his Instagram story and shared a throwback picture with the caption, "Happy Birthday to one of the greatest. Have a good one Sachin paji."

Former India cricket Mohammad Kaif in his birthday wish for batting legend suggested to declare April 24 as "National Cricket Day". Kaif shared Sachin's picture of 2011 world cup winning moment and wrote, "How about declaring April 24 as National Cricket Day. I have never seen anybody so madly in love with the game like Sachin Paaji. Happy Birthday to the man who played a big role in India's amar prem with cricket."

"664 international matches, 34,357 international runs, 100 international tons, 201 international wickets. Here's wishing the ever-so-inspirational & legendary Sachin a very happy birthday," BCCI tweeted with a poster of Sachin.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman shared a picture with Sachin and wrote, "A most auspicious day when someone of your goodness and talent came into this world. May all your wishes be fulfilled far beyond your wildest dreams and may you live a healthy, prosperous and inspiring life filled with love."

Former India spin master Harbhajan Singh shared throwback pictures and wrote: "Happy Birthday Paji .. aap ko duniya bhar ki sab Khushiyaa mille..Have a great day ahead.. once you are out of the bubble, we shall celebrate.. love always".

Suresh Raina shared a picture of his family with Sachin and said: Happy Birthday Paji Sachin. Wishing you the best of health & happiness always. You are & will always remain the true icon of cricket. Keep shining! Keep inspiring us all! #HappyBirthdaySachin.

Venkatesh Prasad posted a major throwback picture with Sachin and wrote, "24 years since the unbelievable innings in the finals at Sharjah, he turned 25 that day, 24 years later, Sachin remains an inspiration and a hero to so many. Heartiest birthday wishes to a wonderful man."

During his illustrious career, Sachin was a part of Indian team in six World Cups including the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, which was his last world cup appearance. In 2013, the batting great announced his retirement from international cricket.

He marked his India debut during a Test match against Pakistan on November 15, 1989 at the age of 16. He also made his ODI debut the same year on December 18.

Sachin is the recipient of Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna, highest civilian honour award.

In 2019, he was also inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. (UNI)