My family never let me lose balance: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said the beauty about his parents was that they "never lost balance" while encouraging him to pursue his dream and as a protective father it's no different that he wants his son Arjun to be free of any pressures while enjoying the game of cricket. (Highlights from press conference)

"The beauty about my family was they never lost balance. Both my parents encouraged me a lot. Like any other normal family, whenever I did well, all they did was to offer a packet of sweets and thank the Almighty," Tendulkar said. (Sachin is a Viswa Ratna, says Gavaskar)

"The process continues till date after I finished the match, I went up to the box where my mother was sitting, she told me that she has kept sweets in front of the God. Their reaction towards me was never related in any way to my performances. It was a relationship between parent and child," Tendulkar said when asked if his parents ever congratulated him on his on-field exploits. (Also read: Sachin admits his tired body told him it was time to quit)

The legendary batsman, however, made it clear that he didn't really appreciate his son Arjun's budding cricket career being under spotlight.

"I would say, leave him (Arjun) alone. Please don't expect him to perform just because his father has performed. If that would have been the case, I should have had a pen in my hand as my father was a professor and worked in the field of literature," Tendulkar said. (Related: 'Sachin is like Maradona')

"It was Arjun, who chose cricket bat and he is a passionate boy. That's what matters. If any player is let free, he is not only able to perform but also able to enjoy. As far as the rest is concerned, I would let the Almighty decide the script for him (Arjun)." (Master Blaster ends career at 18th spot in ICC Test rankings)

Tendulkar said he feels blessed that the final match of his career took place in his hometown in Mumbai so that his mother (Rajni Tendulkar) could attend his last match. (Suggested read: Sachin may be God but he worshipped cricket, says Strauss)

"My mother has never ever seen me play a single ball. So when I decided to retire, I had requested BCCI to let the match happen in Mumbai. I was also not sure that whether she would be able to come.

"I had requested the MCA to keep a room in the Garware guest house but my mother preferred staying at the box and watched every ball. When I went upto her, I could see her speak more with her eyes," Tendulkar added. (Dedicate Bharat Ratna to all mothers in India: Sachin Tendulkar)