New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) Current and former cricketers from all around the world saluted the achievements of Sachin Tendulkar after it was announced that the batting legend’s 200th Test would be his last, ending his phenomenal career in all forms of international cricket.
“He has entertained millions of cricket lovers not only in India but across the entire world. While his statistics, records and the sheer volume of runs and hundreds he has made are unmatched, I am a huge fan of the kind of human being Sachin is. Despite everything that he has achieved, he has remained humble and grounded, a true role model, and that is what makes him special. He has great regard for his seniors, but he is also readily accessible and available to the juniors as well, constantly encouraging them with his knowledge and his experience,” said long-time teammate V.V.S. Laxman.
Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who played with Tendulkar for around 15 years, said: “At some stage, it had to happen. There has also been a lot of talk about this. It’s an amazing career, 24 years in international cricket, 50,000 runs in all formats of the game and yet he still has that hunger in him. Having seen him from close quarters, as player, captain and mentor, I can say that he still has that hunger in him. It will be a sad moment for everyone who follows the game but it is also a moment to celebrate an incredible career.”
“Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best Sachin,” said his former India teammate Sanjay Manjrekar.
Cricketers who played against Tendulkar were also generous in their praise.
“It is a sad day for Indian world cricket. But it is the right decision. It is loss for Test cricket in general. The commitment he has shown all these years is incredible. The amazing fact that he has been the same humble boy after achieving so much. I wish him well,” World Cup winning Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga said.
Renowned umpire Dickie Bird said Tendulkar was the closest to how Don Bradman played.
“He was the nearest to play like Bradman. I cannot pay a higher compliment than that. I remember he played for Yorkshire at a very young age. He is one of all the time greats and someone who gave a lot of excitement to fans all around the world,” said the Yorkshireman.
Asked what stood out about the master blaster, Bird said: “He picked line and length very quickly, let the ball come to him and played late. I could see he would make all sorts of records.”
Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was Tendulkar’s first captain in 1989 when India toured Pakistan, was shocked at the news.
“It is shocking that he will stop playing. Imagine a man who has played close to 200 Tests and scored 100 international hundreds. It is just incredible,” said Srikkanth adding that Tendulkar’s decision had nothing to do with his form.
Former India batsman Dilip Vengsarkar said: “He dominated bowlers in all part of the world. His record will be very difficult to beat.”
The breaking news also had the Twitter world abuzz.
“Salutes to Sachin paaji. I think India jersey number 10 should retire as well and preserved forever. Thanks Paaji,” said India opener Gautam Gambhir.
“One of the Greatest ever @sachin_rt is retiring… One of my heroes and a absolute joy to play against.. #BornToPlayCricket,” wrote former England captain Michael Vaughan.
“Dean jones: Sachin Tendulkar is retiring from cricket on his 200 th Test v Windies #whataplayer,” said former Australia batsman Dean Jones.
His compatriot Tom Moody said: “Time waits for know one as #Tendulkar prepares to say goodbye, been a privilege to play & coach against the little master one of the greats!”
“Sachin #10dulkar – Undisputed Champion of Cricket! #SachinTheGreat,” said England batsman Kevin Pietersen.