As Tendulkar cut the rectangular-shaped cake which had the logo of Mumbai Indians, he was joined by two other Mumbai Indians players, Luke Ronchi and Vikrant Yeligati, who had a delayed celebration after their birthday clashed with the team’s match against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday.

New Zealander Ronchi turned 27, while Yeligati celebrated his 23rd birthday. Tendulkar admitted missing his family on the occasion and said, “I wish I could celebrate my birthday with my wife and children, but that is not so. They are joining me at Mohali tomorrow.”

Asked what was the best gift he got today, Tendulkar said, “The wishes of my fans and team-mates is the best gift I have received today. I hope I will perform better this year.”

After cutting the cake, Tendulkar gave the first piece to Ronchi and then offered a piece to cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, who is also part of the Mumbai Indians think-tank.

On Tendulkar’s insistence, the cake was distributed to every person present at the party, including the media members.

On the occasion, Bhogle released a book titled “Tendulkar” edited by Mudar Patherya and published by Rathipriya Trading Private Ltd. The 300-page, hard cover bound book with a logo of Mumbai Indians on it, has Tendulkar’s photographs since childhood, articles and comments by legends of the game, including by Sir Don Bradman.

Bhogle read out some of the comments of legendary cricketers with Tendulkar listening with rapt attention.

Kings XI greet Sachin

Players of the Kings XI Punjab team greeted Sachin Tendulkar on his 35th birthday and wished him to keep entertaining his fans for many more years to come.

“Happy Birthday Sachin. It’s always been great to play with you and you have always been there to help us,” said right-arm pacer S Sreesanth, who looked enthusiastic and also wished the master batsman “best of luck” for future.

Australian speedster Brett Lee said “We always wish you well.” Sri Lanka’s prolific batsman Kumar Sangakkara said, “Sachin is a great batsman that the world has known.”

Baroda Left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan said it was a great honour to play alongside Tendulkar for the country.