Sachin mania leaves Aussies stunned

Andrew Symonds, Davy Jacobs and Darren Lehmann have never witnessed anything like they did here yesterday. After the game, people from different corners of the ground marched towards the players' enclosure, to try and get a glimpse of birthday boy, Sachin Tendulkar.

Such was the chaos that Tendulkar's family had to stay back in the dressing room just as he was being escorted to the team vehicle. Symonds told MiD DAY: "I have never, ever, seen fans react in this way. I can't believe that a birthday of a cricketer could give so many people joy. It's unbelievable, mate," he said.u00a0

Chargers coach Lehmann, who had just finished his post-match media briefing, had to walk past the door of the Mumbai Indians dressing room, en route to the hosts' section. Just then, hundreds of fans were standing outside, trying to get a sight of the little master. Lehmann asked: "Why are all these people standing here?

Don't people have to go home?" "They are here to try and get a glimpse of Tendulkar," he was told. Lehmann replied: "If there was a statue of Tendulkar, there'd be people who could perform their ceremony there."

Jacobs, the young wicketkeeper-batsman wanted to enter the Chargers change room, as he wanted to meet his friends in the opposite camp. Cops who were strictly placed to ensure Tendulkar reaches the team bus without any problems asked Jacobs to wait inside till the little master has left the building.u00a0 "It's hard to believe. He's (Tendulkar) definitely not some normal human being. It appears like everyone came to this ground today to watch him, and only him.