Sachin Tendulkar got one of the loudest cheers you will ever get in the Indian Super League, as the cricket legend was welcomed back with open arms by the faithful at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi for the first match of the season of the Kerala Blasters.
Tendulkar co-owns the Kerala franchise of the ISL, and having watched the team reach the final in the inaugural year, the India batting great is expecting another long run in ISL 2015.
"Season two should be better. You got to be better in your performance. It is a long season, and what we should do is to peak at the right time," Tendulkar said in an interview to Star Sports at halftime of the match between Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United.
"Last season we managed that, and we need to do it again."
Sachin had nothing but praise for the Kerala Blasters supporters, who came out in droves again to support their team. It was a packed house hours before kick-off, and Tendulkar knows the importance of the role that the fans have to play during ISL 2015.
"It is exciting, you can hear it, it is unbelievably loud," Tendulkar said of the fans. "This is what Kerala is known for, it is fast, it is about loud, I love it.
"Last year my friends turned out and they had a memorable experience, and we are repeating that this season as well
"[Just] continue to support #yellowmeinkhelo and the Kerala Blasters.
"Last season was thoroughly enjoyable, I had some great memories. The fans encouraging the players is what everyone looks forward to."