World Cup 2015: When Sachin Tendulkar signed my match ticket at MCG

The moment he stepped into the ANZAC box at the MCG as ICC's brand ambassador, the sea of Indians at the G, numbering no less than 75,000 strong, erupted. The master was back. Yes in a new avatar, a TV pundit for Headlines Today and Aaj Tak, brand ambassador for the ICC and of course the crowd's eternal favourite. When I managed to get into his box crossing a fair number of security hurdles, being his biographer did help, his passion for the game was the first thing that struck a chord. Each Shikhar Dhawan boundary was applauded with gusto and each Ajinkya Rahane classic was appreciated with much affection.

"Everything I said to you is coming true. I said to you don't write Shikhar off in one of our shows. You all were worried about his form. And I said in the show that we did with Sourav that Ajinkya Rahane is our X factor player this world cup", Sachin said before jumping up to applaud another Rahane six.

He was clearly in his elements. Enjoying being in the stands and soaking in the atmosphere, Sachin Tendulkar was very much back to where he belongs. The cricket ground is his haven and it did not matter that he is not playing anymore. His heart continues to beat for the men in blue and he is confident India has a good chance going ahead into the competition.

"After the match against Pakistan Rajdeep asked me in our show what I thought about the batting. I said to him that we can bat better. I said we can surely do better against South Africa. He appeared surprised. See what we have done today. This team is going to get better. They definitely have a chance."

Asked if he has had time to rest, it was the typical Sachin smile. He did not say much and I had my answer. There are many demands on his time here in Melbourne and his is still operating in India time. Doing a dinner in Sydney on Wednesday and spending a few days before going back on February 28, Sachin Tendulkar continues to be the most admired cricketer in the world.

Each time he stepped closer to the window the crowd went up. It was as if someone had hit a six. The familiar chants of "Sachin Sachin" were reverberating around the MCG and he was no doubt enjoying the adulation. The familiar wave to the fans did give the crowd their moment as well. Enjoying some delicious Indian curry for dinner in his box, Sachin watched the entire match from the same seat. Yet another trait that he had perfected during this playing career. In 2011 he did not move from his seat when India was playing the final. In fact, he did not even watch it. Was praying all through. This time round, however, it is different. He can relax and enjoy the game but he is still the Indian cricketer he once was. Sachin will always remain Sachin - the man who played for India and its legion of cricket fans. Long live the master.