Of all the mementoes and souvenirs that have come his wayin his long and illustrious career – and there have been many – this is one that the master blaster perhaps never saw coming. While thousands would scramble to get a precious autograph from the legend, the powers that be in the state government seem eager to turn the tables – and gift Tendulkar a ‘grand’ memento with their own signatures on it.

Gearing up for the farewell: It’s not just the state government. The whole city is making preparations to give the legendary cricketer a grand send-off. A massive banner on an apparel showroom in Crawford Market pays tribute him. Pic/Suresh KK