Legendary spinner Shane Warne has described his one time nemesis and later friend Sachin Tendulkar, who has announced retirement from Test cricket, as the greatest batsman of his generation.
In a series of tweets, Warne said he was privileged to have engaged in some of the famous cricketing duels with the Indian batsman.
“Sachin was easily the best player over the last 20 years & will be remembered as one of the all time greats! Truly an amazing player,” said leg-spin king Warne whose duels on a cricket field with Tendulkar have become stuff of the game’s folklore.
“Was a privilege & an honour to do battle with the little master on the field. But our friendship is something I cherish! Good luck buddy??,” said Warne who, in one of his tours in India, had said he had nightmares of Tendulkar running down the wicket and belting him for an over-head six.
“Congrats to my good friend Sachin on what can only be described as an amazing career! I wish you & your family all the best in the future,” he tweeted.
Warne said he was amazed by Tendulkar’s temperament.
“Sachin is such an amazing player. We all know his talent but his temperament to play 200 Tests -- that mindset to play for such a long period of time -- shows the insight that the game is so much to him. I think the way he has gone about it on and off the field has been amazing,” Warne, who is part of the commentary team for Australia’s tour of India, said.
Out-of-favour Indian opener Virender Sehwag tweeted, “Sachin announcement hasn’t sunk in yet. It feels as if an integral part of my life is in transition. Words aren’t enough to thank u paaji!”
Jamaican 2012 Olympics 100m silver medallist and former world record holder Yohan Blake also joined in saluting Tendulkar.
“Test career in numbers ... you did well sachin,” he tweeted.
Actor Rahul Bose tweeted: “From the 1st moment @sachin_rt gave us beauty & aggression. Technique & improvisation. He gave Indians the excitement of true hope. #legacy.”
