Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
Down with Covid, Sachin in hospital
MUMBAI: Less than a week after he revealed he had tested positive for the coronavirus, former India captain and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar said on Friday that he had been hospitalised, however just as a precautionary measure.
The 47-year-old first announced that he was Covid-19 positive on March 27 and had been isolating at home ever since. Six days later, Tendulkar tweeted on Friday morning that he had been shifted to a hospital, adding that he hoped to be back home in a “few days”.
“Thank you for your wishes and prayers. As a matter of abundant precaution under medical advice, I have been hospitalised. I hope to be back home in a few days. Take care and stay safe everyone,” Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.
“He is doing fine and has been admitted for normal treatment,” a source close to Tendulkar was quoted as saying by PTI.
Other than Tendulkar, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, his elder brother Yusuf and S Badrinath--all of whom had recently participated at the Road Safety World Series Challenge in Raipur--have so far announced that they have tested positive for Covid-19. Tendulkar had led the India Legends team to victory in the veteran’s tournament in Raipur where crowds were allowed inside the stadium.
Tendulkar announced he was hospitalised on the same day many of his other former India team-mates were celebrating the 10th anniversary of India’s historic World Cup win in 2011, in which the hosts beat Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai. Tendulkar, who lifted his maiden World Cup on that iconic night, also added his wishes to his tweet on Friday. “Wishing all Indians & my teammates on the 10th anniversary of our World Cup win,” he added in his tweet.
Wishes poured in from all over the world, with ex-Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram leading the way. “Even when you were 16, you battled world’s best bowlers with guts and aplomb... so I am sure you will hit Covid-19 for a six!” said Akram, who bowled at Tendulkar in his debut series as a 16-year-old. “Recover soon master! Would be great if you celebrate India’s World Cup 2011 anniversary with doctors and hospital staff... do send me a pic!”
Ex-cricketers Pragyan Ojha, RP Singh and BCCI secretary Jay Shah also sent their wishes.