Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma pay heartfelt tribute to Shane Warne | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The sudden death of Shane Warne has not only sparked an outpouring of emotional tributes across the cricketing world, but athletes from other sports and popular figures from all walks of life have joined in mourning the non- conformist, whose lively personality has made him a fan favorite the world over.
India captain Rohit Sharma and senior hitter Virat Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to Australian leg-spinning legend Shane Warne on Saturday in the second day of the Test against Sri Lanka.

“Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Shane Warne’s passing. It’s a huge, huge loss to our world of cricket. We all understand his contribution to the world of cricket. He inspired a whole new generation of cricketers and did wonders with the ball; we all know that.”
“It’s a huge, huge loss. As soon as we heard, it was extremely sad to hear. I want to extend my condolences to his family, his three children, his friends and loved ones,” Sharma said ahead of the second opening day. The test against Sri Lanka started on Saturday.

Indian batter Virat Kohli, playing his historic 100th Test at Mohali, recalled Warne’s flamboyant personality and the passion he exuded.
“I heard the news last night, out of nowhere. To die at the age of 52 is totally unexpected, it happened way too soon.
“I stand here in disbelief and shock because I also got to know him off the pitch, the personality and charisma he brought to every conversation from which I could understand what he brought on the pitch as well. ground.
“Just an honest, passionate man who spoke so clearly, knew exactly what he was saying. Lived a life like a king. Just very grateful to have known him.
“For me, he is the greatest spinner to ever play the game. He will surely be missed. My deepest condolences to his family, parents and children. They have our full support,” Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI.

From British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Hollywood actors Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman, tributes have been paid to the enigmatic spinner who died of a suspected heart attack on Friday.
His teammates continued to remember the precious moments they shared with him.
“Hard to put that into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the Academy. He gave me my nickname. We were teammates for over a decade, overcoming every ups and downs together,” former Australia captain Ricky Ponting wrote. on his Twitter page.
“Through it all, he was someone you could always count on, someone who loved his family… someone who would be there for you when you needed them and always put his friends first. Greatest bowler I have ever bowled with or against.
“RIP King. My thoughts are with Keith, Bridgette, Jason, Brooke, Jackson and Summer,” he added.

Another iconic former teammate, Glenn McGrath, always believed that nothing could ever happen to the spin magician given his larger than life personality.
“I thought nothing could ever happen to him, he’s lived more in his life than most people will live in 20 years,” McGrath wrote.

“He had a rocky life but a full life…you just felt, I certainly did, that he would go on forever,” said another former Australian skipper, Mark Taylor.
The greats Brian Lara and Vivian Richards were in disbelief, like many others, after the loss of the “greatest sportsman of all time”.
“Heartbroken and speechless at the moment. I literally don’t know how to sum this up. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the greatest sportsmen of all time!! My condolences go out to his family. RIP Warnie!! We will miss you,” Lara said.

“Unbelievable. I’m deeply shocked. This can’t be true…Rest in Peace, @ShaneWarne. There are no words to describe how I feel right now. A huge loss to cricket,” Richards wrote on Twitter.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has penned a heartfelt tribute to the Australian, who was once his fiercest rival.
“Shane was the greatest cricketer of all time, but more than that, his character lit up every locker room, com box, bar, golf club and friendship group…his energy and positivity was beyond everyone I ever knew… he was loyal beyond loyalty.
“Everyone wanted to be with him, but in the end he was just a normal guy who could do amazing things,” Vaughan wrote on Instagram.

An iconic name in international cricket, Warne, since his debut in 1992, has played 145 Tests for Australia, collecting 708 wickets with his eye-catching leg spin. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne has captured 293 scalps.
“I have lost a great friend on and off the pitch. “One of the best ‘my thoughts are with Jackson Summer & Brooke… RIP Warnster,’ English great Ian Botham on Twitter.

Warne died on a day when Australian cricket was already in mourning following the death of wicketkeeper legend Rodney Marsh.
Star fly-half David Warner wrote: “Two legends of our game have left us too soon. I am at a loss for words, and it is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers are with the Marsh and Warne family. I don’t just can’t believe it. . #rip we will miss you both.”

England Test skipper Joe Root said he idolized Warne growing up.
“It shocked us all in the locker room. My experiences with Shane was someone who absolutely loved the game of cricket, was always a joy to be there, brought so much energy to the sport.
“As a kid growing up, he was one of my massive idols, someone you wanted to emulate…the way he won a game on his own, his incredible skill levels,” Root said in a video posted by England Cricket.

“Australian legend. Legend @rajasthanroyals. It was an honor to know and work with you. This man is a LEGEND,” England all-rounder Ben Stokes wrote on Twitter.

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and current British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also paid rich tributes to the legend.
“Larger than life. A living legend. Far too young. Cricket and the country are so much poorer for his passing. May you rest in peace Warnie. The country mourns his passing,” Rudd wrote.

“Totally shocked and saddened to hear of Shane Warne – a cricketing genius and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet who has also done so much to help underprivileged children play sports,” Johnson said .

Hollywood actors Crowe and Jackman have mourned the loss of a loyal friend and once-in-a-generation talent.
“Genius player. Great company. Faithful friend,” Crowe tweeted.

Jackman said he was still figuring out his good friend would be gone.
“Like all of you, I am in shock to learn that @ShaneWarne has passed away. I am grateful to have known him and to have witnessed his unique talent in a generation.
“My sincere condolences to his family and close friends at this incredibly difficult time. Rest well Shane,” Jackman wrote.

Indian actor Preity Zinta, who is also the owner of the IPL team, recalled his interactions with the legend during the league.
“So sad to hear that Shane Warne is no more. He was a magician on the pitch and such a charismatic and flamboyant personality off the pitch. I learned so much about cricket from him every time I met during the IPL and laughed a lot. He has been an inspiration to so many around the world,” Bollywood actor and Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta wrote.

Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, Liverpool Great Kenny Dalgish and former Chelsea skipper John Terry also mourned the loss of the icon.
“He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin pitcher of all time,” Jagger said.

“I will raise my glass to Shane Warne in remembrance of the time we spent together. 52 years is nothing at all. Today we lost an iconic figure in cricket,” Dalglish tweeted.

“RIP Shane Warne Devastating news. My condolences and love go out to your friends and family,” Terry wrote.