Shane Warne’s legacy is not limited to the 708 Test wickets (make that 1001 if you count all his international scalps) he took in his 15 years as a top-class cricketer. Leg-spin made him famous, but his love affair with the game, on and off the field, has made him immortal.
That is why his sudden demise on Friday, aged 52, brought out a rainbow of salutations and tributes. Some called him a “king”, some felt they lost their dearest “friend”. It didn’t matter whether one played on his side or against, the world simply loved Shane Warne.
Sachin Tendulkar, perhaps his greatest rival over the 22-yards, was also one of his closest friends in cricket. “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!” Sachin tweeted.
England might be Australia’s bitterest rivals on the cricket field, but the English cricketers, past and present, doffed their hats to Warne, who has 195 Ashes wickets to his credit.
Ian Botham, a legend of the game himself, was heartbroken. “I’ve lost a great friend on and off the playing field,” the former England all-rounder wrote.
Former England captain, Michael Vaughan, who waged many a battle with Warne on the field, had a short but deep message. “Love ya king...” he tweeted.
Brian Lara, who, like Sachin, shared a great rivalry and friendship with Warne, was at a loss for words. “I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!! My condolences goes out to his family. RIP Warnie!! You will be missed.”
Virat Kohli, one of the greats of contemporary cricket, perhaps never played competitively against Warne, but his tribute revealed the respect that the Australian commanded across generations. “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,” Kohli tweeted.
