There was an eerie sense of emptiness even as cricketers, past and present, on Thursday paid rich tributes to Sachin Tendulkar as he decided to call time on his illustrious career after playing in his landmark 200th Test next month.
Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, complementing the batting legend for giving fans many, many cheerful moments.
Ian Bishop : The sight of the straight lines of the bat on its downswing; the power of the backfoot punch; thanks for the memories, Sachin
Graeme Smith : He has managed to perform under extreme pressure and never had any scandals, which is a credit to him and his family
Chandu Borde : On his first tour itself, he would not leave the practice field till the groundsman told us that it was time to leave.
Sanjay Manjrekar : Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best, SachinAnil Kumble: It has been an amazing career...25 years in international cricket, 50,000 runs in all formats of the game
V.V.S. Laxman : A special gem not just for India, but world cricket too. He made every young player in the team comfortable and always encouraged them.
Harbhajan Singh : There have been occasions when I needed some ‘treatment’ and I have got it from him!
Lalchand Rajput : Even now, he practises for two hours when he comes to the BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex). I tell him there is no need for him to practise for so long, but he doesn’t listen
Cheteshwar Pujara : As a kid, as soon he got out, I used to switch off the TV. It was my dream to play alongside him.
Kiran More : The knock in Sialkot (against Pakistan in the 1989 series) on a green top marked him out as a special one.
Jagmohan Dalmiya : Sachin Tendulkar is not only a legend, but also an incredible ambassador of the sport. He is a divine act.
P. Gopi Chand : A great role model for any person, a great icon. A jewel for India and the world of sport
Saina Nehwal : A true legend.
