Cricket world pays tribute as Virat Kohli & Sachin Tendulkar mourn the loss of Sir Garry Sobers: 'Cricket lost one of its greatest'

Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar mourned the passing of legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers at age 89 on Saturday. The duo paid their respects and heaped laurels on Sobers' indelible legacy in international cricket.

Sobers, arguably one of the greatest cricketers of all time, breathed his last at his home in Barbados. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the news of the legendary all‑rounder’s passing, prompting heartfelt tributes and condolences from across the cricketing world.

'Cricket lost one of its greatest'

Kohli wrote a brief yet heartfelt tribute to Sobers and paid condolences upon the legendary all-rounder's passing.

Also Read | Six sixes, one legend: Relive Gary Sobers' most iconic moment when he turned an over into history | WATCH

On 'X', he wrote, "Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield Sobers. Your legacy will inspire generations."

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Notably, Kohli met Sobers during India's last tour of the West Indies, and both shook hands and had a brief conversation in Barbados. Notably, it was Kohli and Rohit Sharma's final Test appearance in the Caribbean.

Sachin: Tough to process that Sir Garry is gone

Tendulkar expressed deep sorrow at Sobers' death and recalled cherished memories such as receiving the Player of the Tournament from the legendary all-rounder at the 2003 World Cup and being felicitated for his century milestone.

He went on to describe Sir Gary as a gracious person and reflected on their last meeting in London, where they shared a simple conversation on the game. He further deemed Sobers as the 'one and only' and wished him eternal peace.

"It’s incredibly tough to process that Sir Garry is gone. I’ve been looking back at the memories we shared over the years, from him handing me the Player of the Tournament trophy at the 2003 World Cup, to his warm words when he felicitated me for the century milestone. He was always so exceptionally gracious.

Also Read | Sir Garfield Sobers: The timeless titan and gold standard of cricket

"My mind keeps going back to when we caught up in London a few years ago. We were just sitting and chatting about the game, and it hits me so hard right now that it was the last time we’d ever meet.

"He truly was the ‘One and Only’. Going to miss him immensely. Rest in peace, Sir Garry," Tendulkar tweeted.

Sir Garry Sobers' legacy in cricket is a testament to brilliance, and his records, humility, and influence ensure that his name will remain synonymous with excellence for generations.