" The Legend ' releases book on him published by The Hindu group

CHANDIGARH : ' The Legend ' on Tuesday released a book published on him by The Hindu group of publications at a function at the Mumbai Indians team hotel. 

Titled 'Sachin - A Tribute To The Legend,' is a fine collection of all the published reports of all the matches in which Tendulkar scored his 100 international tons. Besides, it has some rare pictures of the veteran batsman and a range of interesting statistics. 

Tendulkar expressed his gratitude to the newspaper after releasing the book on his 39th birthday. 

"It gives me immense pleasure to launch this book. All the efforts taken by The Hindu mean a lot to me. Over the years I have made lot of friends and they are dear ones. 

"Our friendship has grown in a similar manner as The Hindu has grown. I cherish each and every moment I have shared with them," said Tendulkar flanked by MI coach Robin Singh and captain Harbhajan Singh. 

The book was conceptualised after Tendulkar scored his 100th international century in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Mirpur on March 16. 

"Reading various articles and opinions (in The Hindu) has played an important role in my career. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for putting this book together in a matter of few weeks. It's a mammoth effort and thank you very much," said Tendulkar. 

The CEO of The Hindu group, Arun Anant, in a letter explained the concept behind publishing the book. 

"We thought this would be a fine gesture to have this book released by you on your birthday, April 24. We feel that this book will be a fitting tribute to your unparalleled contribution to the game, making India and the international cricket community proud," said Anant.

' The Legend ' lone Indian in ICC Test XI of the Year

The Indian cricket team's summer of discontent in the longest format of the game was reflected in the ICC 'Test Team of the Year' in which senior batsman god of cricket ' The Legend ' was the only player from the country to make the cut.

While ' The Legend ' took his customary number four spot for the third year running, Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan was the other Indian to make it to the team squad albeit as a 12th man.

The duration of the period on which the players were judged on their performance was between August 11, 2010 and August 3, 2011.

' The Legend ' made 973 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 64.86 during the stipulated period.

' The Legend ' deserves nomination for Rajya Sabha : BCCI

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) on Thursday welcomed the government's nomination of Sachin Tendulkar as a member of the Rajya Sabha, saying that the iconic batsman deserves such an honour.

BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Prof. Ratnakar Shetty told PTI that the Board was happy with the government's move.

"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," he said.

Tendulkar is among four eminent persons who have been recommended for nomination as members of the Rajya Sabha. 39-year-old Tendulkar can become a member of Parliament under a provision of the Constitution that allows the President to nominate 12 members to the Upper House.

Tendulkar's nomination to Rajya Sabha has come as a surprise against the backdrop of a long-standing demand for conferring of Bharat Ratna on him for his contribution to the game. He completed the historic achievement of scoring 100 international centuries in March this year.

He would be the first active sportsman and cricketer to be nominated to Rajya Sabha.