Suresh Raina had the cutest birthday wish for “Paji” Sachin Tendulkar: “As Splendid as Your Cover Drives”

Today marks the 51st birthday of Sachin Tendulkar, who is recognized as one of the best hitters in cricket history. Many members of the cricket community have sent their well-wishes, including Suresh Raina, his former colleague for India.

The former player for the Chennai Super Kings wished Tendulkar a very happy birthday on Instagram.

Cheers to Paji’s birthday, @sachintendulkar! Millions have been inspired by your extraordinary career, and you continue to set the standard with your elegance both on and off the field. I hope this year is as amazing as your cover drives, and that you are well and happy! #Sachin, happy birthday.

Raina posted many pictures of Tendulkar and himself during the latter’s first-ever Test match in Colombo against Sri Lanka. For the fifth wicket, Raina and Tendulkar combined to score 246 runs, with Raina contributing 120 and Tendulkar scoring 203. The Test concluded in a draw after India scored 707 runs in response to Sri Lanka’s declared first innings tally of 642/4.

Tendulkar and Raina were also members of the Indian team that won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2011. With Raina recording significant hits in both the quarterfinal matchup against Australia and the semifinal matchup against Pakistan, both players were instrumental in helping India win the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Tendulkar finished the tournament as India’s highest scorer with 482 runs in nine innings, including two hundreds and several fifties.

The late Ramakant Achrekar, a well-known figure in the Mumbai coaching scene, was Tendulkar’s tutor when he began playing cricket at the tender age of 11.

At the age of sixteen, Tendulkar made his Indian debut against Pakistan in 1989. Over the course of a brilliant 24-year career, he broke several records.

While everything was going on, Raina played his final match for India in 2018 and announced his retirement with 7,988 runs across all forms. He last participated in the IPL in 2021 with the Chennai Super Kings. He is now a member of the Hindi commentary panel for the current season.