Martin Crowe's demise sad day for cricket, says India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni

New Delhi: Thursday was indeed a sad day for cricket fraternity as former New Zealand cricket skipper Martin Crowe passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 53 years of age.

India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni expressed his condolences at the demise of New Zealand cricket great Martin Crowe after stating him as a "fantastic human being" like the rest of New Zealand players.

"Frankly speaking, I've not seen Martin Crowe play much. Because I was not a keen watcher of the game. But I have heard about him a lot. But as is the case with 99 per cent of the New Zealand players, they are fantastic human beings,” he said.

The Indian skipper added that it was a sad day for cricket and it is very important to give respect to the individual.

"I have had the opportunity of interacting with a lot of New Zealand players. It is a sad day for cricket but at the same time it is very important to give respect to the individual and we pray God to give strength to his family. And keep moving on. Its a sad day for cricket," Dhoni said.

Crowe was initially diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in 2012, but the disease went into remission.

(With PTI inputs)