"I will advise him to take some time off before deciding on what he would like to be involved in. He should not rush into anything just now," said the British-origin social worker, who runs an NGO Apnalaya for street children in Mumbai. (Pics: Sachin Tendulkar - a full-time family man now)
Ms Mehta was present along with other members of Sachin's family at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Saturday where the cricketer bid a tearful farewell to the game after a glorious 24-year career. (Exclusive interview: Perfect farewell, as if scripted by Almighty: Sachin Tendulkar)
Speaking about the heart-warming farewell speech that the maestro delivered after is 200th and final Test, she said, "I think we were all moved by his speech. It was amazing. How he managed to make such a speech when he was so emotional I just don't know. The love and respect he got from all over the country was amazing."
"He will not be without cricket as his son is passionate about the game. Maybe the only playing he will do will be with Arjun in the nets at home," she said when asked about the future plans of the champion batsman. She also added that he might take up golf or tennis to maintain his physical fitness.
"I think he will continue to work on his physical fitness, maybe take up golf or tennis. His wife wants him to take over some of the responsibilities of running the house, I don't know what she has in mind for him," she quipped and added that "He used to enjoy cooking in the early years, which was a good thing as Anjali had no interest in cooking."
Ms Mehta also added that she was happy that Sachin, who she claims has been the "best son-in-law", will be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's biggest civilian award. (Dedicate Bharat Ratna to all mothers in India: Sachin)
"I adore his honesty and integrity, humility, intelligence and understanding and most of all, his love for his family. I couldn't have a better son-in-law. Thank goodness he's not retiring from that," she said.
Anjali wants him to share house responsibilities: Sachin Tendulkar's mother-in-law
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