Mumbai, Nov. 13: One day short of completing a mind-boggling 20 years in international cricket, Sachin Tendulkar was a relaxed man. Casting his mind back over that long journey, the Master Blaster recalled key moments, some of his special highs, on how the game had changed, and on what keeps him going even at age 36. Excerpts:

Which moments do you recall after spending so many years in cricket?

I thinks the first and foremost one was the day I wore the India cap. It was a dream that had come true, I was on Cloud Nine. After that have been many but the most important one was that, because when growing up, it was a dream to play for India and nothing gets bigger than that. To be in the playing XI against Pakistan and walking on the ground with the team. The journey began from there. The one time I remember from that tour was the party that we had for which I was in a moustache and we had good time at the Sunday Club. Other than that the tour was tough and we played terrific cricket.

What has changed in the game since you began?

Since 1989 a lot of things have changed. The introduction of the third umpire, powerplays, the introduction of T20 ... a lot things have changed. The most notable have been realised because of T20 as we have seen plenty of new shots which are occasional used in Test cricket. Due to that, the average score in ODIs has gone up to nearly 300 and is achievable as well. And with time even I have changed. In Test matches we now see more results unlike earlier where matches use to end in draws but now teams approach matches aggressively and results come, so it has changed for the better.

What will happen to cricket after Sachin?

Well I don’t know what will happen to cricket after Sachin but I feel cricket will go on. Like it happened as legends and heroes of our time retired the cricket continued so if I leave the cricket will go on for sure.

What is your take on Dhoni’s comment that you can continue till 2025?

Well I would be glad if I could play that long. But on a serious note I would not like to have continued that long, because continuing anything for that long is not good. I would like to concentrate on next phase and just play till I enjoy playing.

One match performance that you always like to remember?

There are many but yes, the 2003 World Cup game against Pakistan was the most entertaining and interesting game and one I like to recollect or watch again.

What would you advice the upcoming players how to keep a balance in the three format of the games?

Well according to me, one should play more Test matches. It’s very sad to see a player with just five or six Test matches. Also, one-day internationals are not dying out, the 50-over game still is very thrilling and I feel the crowd is still glued to it so that should be given attention too by players.

With more than 17,000 runs in ODIs, do you remember how you felt when you scored your first century?

I am glad that I scored my debut century against Australia in Sri Lanka so that was a special moment. Anything that you do for the first time is special, that century gave me belief that I too could score big runs and that was needed to boost my confidence in the game.

What keeps you going?

Surely, passion for the game and also my family. They have been very supportive. My coach, Achrekar Sir, who worked on my game and spotted my talent. He was the one who built my game temperament, he made me play maximum matches which helped me build my reading of the game. Than in the later half of my life my wife Anjali, kids Sara and Arjun have been very supportive. Whenever I feel very low I fall back to these people and they have helped to overcome all the situation and I thank for everything they have given to me.

Do you feel pressurised at the expectations from you?

Well I am very clear in one thing that I have to play cricket so if I am enjoying cricket I am enjoying everything so there is no pressure in that. Yes, but how to draw a line between the fame and pressure that come to you is important if you maintain that line all is fine and you will enjoy everything that comes along with cricket.

My family too has played a big role in letting me maintain the line.