Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 74 in what could prove to be the final innings of his record-breaking career as India strengthened their claims to beat West Indies inside three days in Mumbai.
Tendulkar was on course for his 101st international century as he built on his overnight score of 38 not out.
But the stunned silence that met the fall of India’s third wicket when the ‘Little Master’ edged Narsingh Deonarine to first slip was soon replaced by a rapturous ovation from the home fans as he walked back to the pavilion for possibly the last time.
It will need an incredible fightback from the tourists to give Tendulkar one last chance to pass 16,000 Test runs after India’s next generation of batting talent propelled the hosts to 495 all out – a first innings lead of 313.
Virat Kohli, the man tipped to take over Tendulkar’s spot at number four in the line-up, began with a series of boundaries to help Cheteshwar Pujara (113) maintain the momentum.
He breezed to his half-century at nearly a run a ball and was looking untroubled until he was taken at slip by Darren Sammy, the man who had clutched on to the chance that removed Tendulkar, having been undone by a straighter one from Shane Shillingford.
MS Dhoni fell cheaply to the second new ball but Rohit Sharma entertained the crowd with a knock of 111, including 11 fours and three sixes, to keep the pressure on the tourists.
And they collapsed in a heap again as three quick wickets left the West Indies staring down the barrel of an innings victory at 43-3 in their second innings, still 270 runs away from making India bat again.
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