"We're honoured to play a series in India which will bring curtains down on Sachin's career but we're here to compete and play very hard cricket," Sammy told reporters at the pre-match press conference today.
"He's a great ambassador for the sport. He deserves all the hype and the praises he's getting," the skipper added.
Despite all the frenzy that has been created around Tendulkar's last two Tests, Sammy said his team was trying to "block out" all the distractions.
On the hype surrounding the retirement of Tendulkar, Sammy said the batting maestro had earned the respect for himself.
"That's India you know. As for Sachin, everybody knows what he's done for cricket not only in India but all over.