Before the first test match of India-Srilanka series, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of state for Home Shri Amit Shah honored Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar for completing 20 years in International cricket. On behalf of the Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Cricket Association, Chief Minister Modi and Amit Shah presented Sachin a Gold plated memento of Somnath Mahadev mandir. Gujarat Chief Minister Modi is President and Gujarat Minister of state for Home Shri Amit Shah is Vice President of Gujarat Cricket Association.

Before the start of the first test against Sri Lanka, Sachin said:”Behind me there is the team, coach, players and family and the people pf India. I don’t need any external forces to motivate me. I value their support. But it is time to move on and concentrate at the job at hand.”

“I thank the fans and all the people who have supported me throughout my career but I have started my preparation from yesterday. I hate losing and every time I go out to play for India I want to give my 100 per cent and contribute for the team. I need to concentrate before going for every match,” he said.

“Sri Lanka are a good side and we can’t be found off guard against a quality side. We want to win and each one of us has to give our best,” he said.

“The team morale is high and we are ready for the series,” he added.