Shane Warne, the greatest leg-spinner in cricket history, died Friday at the age of 52 following a suspected heart attack.
Warne is reported to have been found dead in Thailand’s Koh Samui where he was on holiday.
The tragic death of Shane Warne has left the sporting world in a state of shock. From present cricketing greats like England’s Ben Stokes to all-time cricketing luminaries like Viv Richards, the passing of the great bowler at the age of 52 on Friday was met with an outpouring of grief.
He was still such a larger-than-life figure on the pitch that his old rivals on the field, who had become great friends in the TV commentary box, were taken aback. “Everyone wanted to be around him, but ultimately he was just a normal guy who could achieve extraordinary things,” former England captain Michael Vaughan said of Warne. Read More: Top 20 Cricketers in the World in 2022
“It’s hard to believe I’m talking about someone who was once an enemy on the field but has turned into a terrific buddy off it.” “Shane Warne was the greatest cricketer of all time, but his personality shone brightly in every dressing room, comm box, pub, golf club, and friendship group.”
“His energy and positivity were unmatched by anyone I’d ever met, and he was a loyalist to the core.”
“Unbelievable,” declared West Indian legend Richards, who, like Warne, was named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the century. I’m completely taken aback. This isn’t possible… I don’t know how to express how I’m feeling right now. “Cricket has suffered a significant setback.”
“Will miss you Warnie,” remarked India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who, along with Brian Lara, was the batter Warne thought was the finest he’d bowled to. “With you around, there was never a dull moment, on or off the field.” Our on-field duels and off-field banter will always be treasured. You always had a special place in your heart for India, and Indians had a special place in their hearts for you. Also Read: Ronaldo Net Worth 2022
“Gone too young!”
“My friend is gone!!” Lara said on social media. One of the Greatest Sportsmen of All Time has passed away!! Warnie, rest in peace!! “You will be missed.”
Virat Kohli, another Indian batting legend, referred to Warne as the “goat” – the greatest of all-time – and said, “Life is so capricious and unexpected.” “I’m still reeling at the loss of this legend of our sport, as well as a guy I got to know off the field.” #goat, rest in peace. “The best cricket ball turner.”
“I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely terrible,” India’s current captain Rohit Sharma, who was leading his team in action in a Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali, tweeted. Our game has lost an outstanding legend and champion.”
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah, another Indian great, described himself as “struck beyond words… A legend of our game, an icon, and someone who revolutionized spin bowling.” “I find that hard to believe,” Babar Azam, who is captaining Pakistan against Australia in the current Test, remarked.
“This is really a heartbreaking loss for cricket. With his spectacular leg spin, he actually inspired generations. “You’ll be remembered for the rest of your life.”
Cricket has “lost what I consider a university of leg-spin bowling today,” according to former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.
On Instagram, England allrounder Stokes said it was a “honor to know and work with” Warne. Also Read: Leo Messi Net Worth 2022
He went on to say, “This man is a LEGEND.”
Before their match in Antigua, the England men’s team, who are in the Caribbean preparing for a three-Test series against the West Indies, observed a minute’s silence in memory of Warne.
Mike Gatting, who was bowled out in the 1993 Ashes by Warne’s ‘Ball of the Century’ at Old Trafford, dubbed his former Ashes tormentor “the number one bowler ever” in Test history. “There have been a lot of great cricketers, great spinners, and great legspinners, but Warnie will always be the number one, in my opinion,” the former England skipper remarked. Know More: Top 10 Richest Cricketers in the World in 2022 (Based on Net Worth)