Sachin Tendulkar produced a dazzling array of strokes in his farewell knock of 74 creating an ideal launchpad for Cheteshwar Pujara to consolidate with a patient century as India reached 413/7 at tea on the second day of the second and final cricket Test against the West Indies here today.
The hosts now lead by 231 runs and would like to go for the kill by finishing of the match and completing a series whitewash inside three days.
The morning session belonged to none other than Tendulkar, who is playing his 200th and final Test match.
Starting the day on 38, the maestro looked fluent during his 68-minute stay at the wicket on the day. He faced 118 balls in all, hitting 12 boundaries, all of which were pure class.
He added 148 runs for the second wicket with Pujara, who hit a responsible 113 en route his fifth Test century. Pujara hit 12 fours in his 167 ball knock.
Virat Kohli also contributed his bit with a quickfire 57 while in-form Rohit Sharma looked good during his undefeated knock of 44.
On Friday, all roads led to the Wankhede Stadium in anticipation of a century but on 74, it was offie Narsingh Deonarine, who got one to bounce that extra bit as Tendulkar tried a cut shot which ended in rival captain Darren Sammy's hands in the first slip.
Deonarine's name will certainly feature in the record books for years to come as it is unlikely that West Indies will be able to get India bat second time on a pitch that has shown considerable wear and tear.
However, the time he was at the crease was pure unbridled joy for all those who witnessed a 'Vintage Tendulkar' on display.
With Pujara playing an ideal second fiddle by rotating the strike, Tendulkar played some delightful strokes that were taken out of the top drawer.
