MUMBAI: The cricket fraternity took to Twitter to convey their wishes to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who started his 41st birthday by casting his vote in the general elections on Thursday.

“I have voted, have you? A wonderful start to my birthday, as a responsible citizen of our great nation,” Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter page.

Tendulkar had returned from the UAE, where IPL 7 is going on, according to sources close to him, and is celebrating his birthday with family and friends in the city.

Wishing the maestro, Indian batting’s mainstay Virat Kohli said it was Tendulkar who inspired him to take up the game of cricket.

“Happy birthday to the man who inspired me to play this game. Happy birthday @sachin_rt paji! Legend forever,” wrote Kohli on his Twitter handle. 

India opener Rohit Sharma, who still shares the dressing room with Tendulkar as a part of the Mumbai Indians team in the Indian Premier League, Tweeted: “Happy birthday @sachin_rt wish you all the happiness. Really happy to still share the dressing room with you.”

This is Tendulkar’s first birthday after he quit all forms of cricket in November 2013 following his 200th and final Test at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium, against the West Indies.

The cricket icon is, however, still associated with the Mumbai Indians outfit as its team’s mentor.

“Happy birthday to Sachin Paaji. May u have a peaceful and fun-filled life. God bless u,” India discard Gautam Gambhir wrote.

Wishing his “God” happy birthday, Sreesanth said, “@sachin_rt Wishing my cricket God ..a very happy birthday..!!” 

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan also wished Test and ODI cricket’s highest scorer. 

“Happy Birthday @sachin_rt .. Celebrate in style.....,” he wrote.

In his message, Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold prayed for Tendulkar’s long life.

“Sachin Tendulkar turns 41 today... Happy Birthday... !!!! Have a good one and many more!!!,” tweeted Arnold. 

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla also extended his wished to Tendulkar. —Agencies