Sachin spikes rumours on hanging up boots, celebrates b'day

Chennai, Apr 24 (UNI) Putting an end to speculation over hanging up his boots in any form of cricket, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who turned 35 today, said he would like to continue to perform well for the country, maintaining his current form.

Sachin, who was falicitated by Reliance Industries', which owns the Mumbai Indians team in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), said ''I would like to perform well. I hope, I will play better this year''.

However, Sachin, who holds the record for the maximum number of centuries in Test as well as ODIs, did not reveal anything about his groin injury which he had sustained during the first cricket Test against South Africa here last month. He was also forced to sit out of the first two matches of the IPL for Mumbai Indians as its captain.

Clad in a white t-shirt and dark blue jeans, Sachin cut a huge cake celebrating his birthday with his Mumbai Indians teammates.

Asked which was the best birthday gift he had received so far in his life, he said ''the best gifts I got today are the greetings and wishes of my wellwishers''.

Sachin said he would have been much more happy If he would have celebrated his birthday with his family.

Leading Commentator Harsha Bhogle presented a book, a compilation of quotes on Sachin by various criketing legends.

Harsha said ''it is a toast to Sachin Tendulkar on his 35th birthday''.

UNI SNR RKM AS1512