Shukla pays tribute to Tendulkar

BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla on Thursday paid glowing tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, saying the batting icon`s retirement from Test cricket will leave a great void in the Indian cricket team.

New Delhi: BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla today paid glowing tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, saying the batting icon`s retirement from Test cricket will leave a great void in the Indian cricket team.

"Sachin`s retirement will leave a great void in the Indian cricket team, something that won`t be easy to fill in. He has been the greatest ambassador for sport in our country" Shukla told. "Personally, it`s a sad moment for me as he has decided to call time on his career but a time comes in our lives when we have to make that difficult choice. He did speak to me and discussed on this issue", he said. "It would be extremely hard to imagine witnessing an Indian cricket team without Sachin Tendulkar being in it. His remarkable journey of 24 years serves as a true testament of the passion and commitment he had towards the game", Shukla said. "I cannot envisage anyone coming even remotely close to matching his astonishing records and accolades in the game. Above all, I feel that Sachin has always been a great ambassador for the sport; I have personally known him for a prolonged period and I can clearly state that you will not meet another person who is as endearing and humble as he is irrespective of his immeasurable stature and feats in the sport", he added.