'Greatest to turn cricket ball': Sachin, Lara & Kohli pay tributes to Warne

The cricket fraternity across the globe was shellshocked by the sudden demise of Australian spin legend Shane Warne, who died at the age of 52 due to suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday.

Past and present superstars of world cricket paid rich tributes to Warne, one of the all-time greats of the game who redefined spin bowling, with Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar saying that he had “gone too young.”

“Shocked, stunned & miserable Will miss you Warnie,” Tendulkar, whose rivalry with Warne was stuff of legend, said.

Shocked, stunned & miserable…

Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you.

Gone too young! pic.twitter.com/219zIomwjB

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 4, 2022

“There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!” Tendulkar added. (sic)

India captain Rohit Sharma said he can’t still fathom the fact that the legend is no more.

“Im truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne.still cant believe it,” Rohit said in a tweet. (sic).

I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 4, 2022

Rohit’s predecessor, Virat Kohli, who turned out in his milestone 100th Test against Sri Lanka at Mohali on Friday, described Warne as the “greatest to turn the cricket ball”.

“Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball,” he tweeted.

I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 4, 2022

BCCI secretary Jay Shah also paid his condolences on the Australian greats passing away.

“Terribly shocked and saddened to hear the news of legendary spinner Shane Warne passing away. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti.”

Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who has had many duels with Warne during his playing days, paid his condolences to the family members of the spin great.

“Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more. Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world.”

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina too offered his condolences.

“At loss of words to hear about the demise of our cricketing legend Shane Warne, he was always magical on the field. May peace be with you. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne.”

World Cup-winning India opener Gautam Gambhir tweeted: “Very few can match their attitude with raw talent. #ShaneWarne made bowling look like magic! RIP.”

Not just Indians, Warnes’s untimely death has shocked world cricket.

Brian Lara, one of the world’s best batsmen, said: “Life is so fickle and unpredictable.”

I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 4, 2022

“RIP LEGEND #ShaneWarne,” West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle wrote on his Twitter page.

Former and current Pakistan cricketers too paid rich tributes to the spin magician.

“Find it hard to believe. Such a devastating loss for the cricket world. He literally inspired generations with his magical leg spin. Youll forever be missed #ShaneWarne. My heart and prayers goes to his family, friends, and fans. #legend,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam wrote.

Warne’s good mate and contemporary, Shoaib Akhtar said it will take a long time to heal from this terrible loss.

“Its going to take a long time to get over this loss. Legendary #ShaneWarne is not with us anymore,” Akhtar said.

Shahid Afridi said in Warnes demise, cricket has lost an “university of leg-spin bowling”.

“The game of cricket has lost what I consider a university of leg-spin bowling today. I was inspired by his bowling from the start of my career and it was always a privilege to play against him. My deepest condolences are with Warnes family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne.”

Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi wrote: “Life is so unpredictable. Cricket will surely miss your presence. Thinking about his family and friends. Youll remain in prayers of many. #ShaneWarne #legend.”

Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes was stunned by the news.

“Noooooo #shanewarne cannot believe what I am reading.”

(With Agency inputs)