Sachin Tendulkar in Rajya Sabha: Who said what

As Sachin Tendulkar begins his new innings today in the Parliament, here's what people from all walks of life have to say about the master blaster's new role:

MS Dhoni, India captain: This (Rajya Sabha) is a new avenue for him and I am sure he will do well and contribute there also. I would like to wish him all the very best. He has been contributing in cricket and has done well in every field.

Viswanathan Anand, World Chess Champion: I hope he (Tendulkar) enjoys his role and he is able to do it very well. It's a big step for him and I think he will enjoy it.

Yuvraj Singh, Indian cricketer and Sachin's teammate: Sachin will now have to be addressed as 'Good Morning Sir'.

Harbhajan Singh, Indian cricketer and Sachin's teammate: Proud that Sachin is getting the honour. He deserves much more than that. May God bless him always.

Rajiv Shukla, Congress leader and IPL chairman: We are trying to bring good people in Parliament...it is a kind of honour for him.

Ratnakar Shetty, BCCI CAO: We (BCCI) are happy that Tendulkar's services as a sportsperson has been recognised. He's been a true ambassador for the country and he deserves it.

Bhaichung Bhutia, former Indian football captain: Sachin will do a great job. We need honest people like him.

Aamir Khan, Bollywood actor: I know Sachin to be a person of high integrity. He is an honest, straight forward person, sensible and intelligent and these are qualities I would like to see in a person who is being nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Chetan Chauhan, former Indian cricketer and BJP leader: My only fear is that the stamp of a political party should not come on him. People should not think he belongs to any political party. I want him to remembered as a sportsperson first. That should be his attitude. He shouldn't align himself with anyone. The minute he associates himself with a party, the public's perception about him will change.

Gurudas Dasgupta, CPI leader: Sachin's nomination is a real recognisation of sports talent.

Aslam Sher Khan, Hockey Olympian: There is no need to create a controversy over the Sachin Tendulkar's nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

P Chidambaram, Home Minister: Sachin Tendulkar's nomination is perfectly valid. I think the Constitution provision is very clear and I urge all of you to read it once again.

Sanjay Manjrekar, former India cricketer: I am at a loss for words. I never realised these sort of things interested him. He is not one to express his views publicly and this would be a real test for him. I hope he can make a difference in Parliament.

Akash Chopra, Indian cricketer: He plays almost right through the year, where is the time to go to Parliament. I will be disappointed if he did not contribute and make a mark for himself in the Rajya Sabha.

Harsha Bhogle, noted cricket commentator: If the nomination is an honour, I am all for it. But if it is an attempt at improving governance in India, then he doesn't have the experience.