There was and is only one Rahul Dravid: Sachin Tendulkar

New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday paid rich tributes to Rahul Dravid, who is expected to announce his retirement from international cricket on Friday, saying there can be "no other" cricketer like him.

Read Dravid’s statement » "There was and is only one Rahul Dravid. There can be no other. I will miss Rahul in the dressing room and out in the middle," Tendulkar said. India`s batting stalwart Dravid, second most prolific batsman in Test history, has called a press conference in Bangalore on Friday, prompting speculation that he may announce his retirement from international cricket where he has been a star for over 15 years. Test cricket`s two most prolific batsmen, Tendulkar and Dravid together fashioned many of India`s famous wins with crucial partnerships over the past one and a half decade. Talking about those partnerships, Tendulkar said, "I have shared the best moments with him. Our many century partnerships are testimony to the hours we spent together in the middle. "For someone who has played 164 matches and over 13000 runs, no tribute can be enough." Former opener Arun Lal said Dravid is retiring at the right time. "It`s a personal decision for a cricketer or for any sportsperson to retire. I think there was very little left for Dravid to achieve in cricket. SO it`s the right time to retire. "Dravid is not only a great cricketer but also an ambassador of the game, a role model and a gentleman. Runs apart he is a cricketer who should be emulated by the youngsters," he said. PTI