He is disappointed that Sachin Tendulkar is just two Tests away from quitting international cricket but Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said he is happy as well to see the celebrated veteran go out on his own terms.
Tendulkar, 40, is expected to play his 199th and landmark 200th Test match against the West Indies next month and the matches are scheduled for November 6-10 and 14-18.
He would then bid adieu to cricket as the holder of a plethora of world records, including the only batsman to score 100 international hundreds.
"I knew it (retirement) was coming, I am quite happy for him, for the kind of illustrious career he has had, for the time he was at the top throughout his career. For 23 years or so he was always at the top," said Dhoni at the mandatory pre-match press conference here ahead of tomorrow's first ODI against Australia.
"He had to carry the expectations of so many Indians At times the Indian fans set very high level of expectations. To bear with all of that and to come up with the performances that he came up with is fantastic.
"I think at the moment we would rather enjoy the two Test matches to the fullest. It will give me an opportunity to see a house full Test match I have seen big crowds coming in. But it's one chance I will see a houseful crowd hopefully in both the venues and if I am not able to then in the next 25-30 years I don't think I will see a houseful Test match," Dhoni added.
The India stumper lauded the way Tendulkar, who made his Test debut at the age of 16 against Pakistan in 1989, shouldered the burden of expectations right through his glittering career.
"...When you are top batsman for your side for a considerable period of time, everyone scrutinises your performance, when you score or not score runs," Dhoni said.
