MiD DAY columnist and former Australia captain Ian Chappell, who the master leg-spinner admires greatly, pays tribute on Warne's last day as a competitive cricketer
MiD DAY columnist and former Australia captain Ian Chappell, who the master leg-spinner admires greatly, pays tribute on Warne's last day as a competitive cricketer
Shane Warne versus Sachin Tendulkar one last time. It's an appropriate way for Warne to finish his competitive cricket career, as these two have been the highest profile players of their generation.
In addition, Warne has always rated Tendulkar the best batsman he has bowled against and the pair also did battle in one of the most intriguing Test contests I've witnessed.
It was Chennai in 1998, the first Test of the series. Warne had won round one by dismissing Tendulkar for just four runs.
However, their next confrontation came with an enthralling match evenly poised on the third day. Tendulkar delivered the knockout blow.
He scored a magnificent century and in the process, forced Warne to dramatically change his tactics. This eventually resulted in a convincing win to India.
To get such an absorbing contest between two champions when the match is in the balance is rare and it made the encounter more intriguing.
Not that Warne ever needed any extra incentive to make things interesting on the cricket field; he was the master of the dramatic moment.
Warne has come a long way since I was first made aware of his talent through former Australian wicket-keeper Brian Taber.
In the early nineties, Taber was manager of an Australian Youth team to the Caribbean. Previously, Warne had been dismissed from the cricket Academy and a short-sighted official told Taber to send the young leggie home at the first sign of trouble.
Fortunately for Australian cricket Taber is not only a good judge of cricketers but also a keen observer of human nature. He promptly appointed Warne social secretary, the young man flourished on the tour and in Taber's words, "He's also a pretty useful leggie."
Shortly afterwards I met Warne with the noted Spin Doctor, Terry Jenner. He was extremely enthusiastic about Warne's ability and believed he could be something special.
Jenner was proved right and whether it's been watching Warne play, talking with him or just enjoying a pleasant social occasion, there's never been a dull moment.u00a0
In 1996 Warne joined the Channel 9 television team at Augusta for the Masters golf tournament. We stayed in the same house for a week and had some lively discussions on cricket, bouncers and the merits of country music compared with the stuff they pound out at discos.
One night we went for a few drinks and then gravitated next door to the local Indian restaurant. This second move involved much coaxing and Warne only agreed to join us after I'd assured him we wouldn't order any hot curries.
In typical Warne style he just ordered chips and after one bite complained they'd been curried. He used this as an excuse to go outside and "have a smoke" but in addition to having a cigarette I suspected he was going to gulp down a pizza.
On his return a good twenty minutes later he sheepishly admitted to the pizza, saying, "I couldn't eat any more chips they were burning my mouth."
Warne's food tastes may be simple but the game was never dull when he was involved. His last game isn't a time to be sad; let's just be glad he chose cricket and we had a chance to see him play.
708
Number of Test wickets Warne claimed in 145 Tests
2000
The year Warne was picked in Wisden's 5 players of the century
1992
The year Shane Warne made his debut for Australia
99
Warne's highest score in Test cricket ufffd vs NZ in Perth, 2001
57
Number of wickets Warne has claimed for Royals
Warnie truly deserves a great send-off: Shilpa
I first met Warnie in South Africa. We played a game of poker and we were supposed to have brunch together. The brunch session, however, went on till dinner.
I realised that Warnie was great fun to be with and a very good person. He is very intelligent and I completely trust his sensibilities.
u00a0
I remember about this match in South Africa, which was quite important for us. It was also a very tough match.
Warnie and I were standing outside the dressing room. I asked him, "What is going to happen now?" to which he replied, "Pray for the rains." And believe it or not, it actually rained. So, I completely trust his instincts.
Also, his visit to Swapnil Asnodkar's village in Goa was such a cute gesture. But here's what I really find funny. I am fluent in English and still I have problems understanding Warnie sometimes, who speaks with such a thick Australian accent. 
I remember Kamran Khan, who is currently with the Pune Warriors and couldn't speak a word of English, and Warnie talking to each other.
What I couldn't understand was how they managed to interact? Both Warnie and Kamran would look at each other and Warne with the cricket ball in his hands, would try and explain things to him.
Apart from these light moments, Warnie in some way or the other, will always stay connected to the Rajasthan Royals. It is beyond just professional relationship.
And I have never had any disagreement with him. The last few days have been difficult but I believe that he is a legendary cricketer and truly deserves a great send-off.
(As told to Sudeshna Chowdhury)
I've always found that, with Shane, what you see is what you get, a bloke totally unfazed and unaffected not only by what he has achieved but also by what he has become.u00a0
Sir Ian Botham, England cricket legend.
For me personally, and for Australian cricket, Shane was like a breath of fresh air. He added a spark to everyone with his attitude and his bowling. My own captaincy flourished and as I look on now, I realise how lucky we are to have him.
Allan Border, who was Warne's first International captain
Shane Warne has a great ability to cope with the spotlight, remember his roots and old mates, as well as motivate others around him.u00a0
Ian Healy, former Australia wicketkeeper.
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