Tweets of the Week: Lauding Laxman

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India batsman VVS Laxman retired from the international game on Saturday, after 134 Tests in 16 years, prompting a flood of tributes from current and former players on Twitter.

India batsman VVS Laxman retired from the international game on Saturday, after 134 Tests in 16 years, prompting a flood of tributes from current and former players on Twitter. Here are some of the more emotional missives…

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni gushed: "The whole team will miss u VVS. One of the best human being I have ever met in my life. Spent a lot of time with him while batting and fielding and the chat would always be about the team. Will miss him whenever the team cuts cake, Personally I will really miss u LACHU BHAI"

Sachin Tendulkar was devastated by the event, tweeting a long message that read: "When i walk out to play in hyderabad i will feel a deep void. A void that can never be fulfilled. My dear friend, VVS Laxman, one of the best players indian cricket has seen and i have played with will no longer be with me.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to share some of my greatest cricketing moments with a true legend of the game and a thorough gentleman. VVS, the team & i will miss you. I will forever cherish the 16 years we have played together."

Batsman Yuvraj Singh added: "Really sad vvs has retired! I was hoping he would play end of the year! Nicest human being ever, Some1 with a heart of gold An absolute team man and mattered the most when india needed him. Great in my books a legend who played for india And a very special friend! Dear very very special you will be missed !"

Amit Mishra wrote (read it like a teenager): "It alwz been an amazing experience to share dressing room wid d legend like Laxman bhai. On & off field,he is a true one whom u can luk after. I consider him nt nly a gr8 cricketer but a very nice human being who is alwz genuine towards his game & life. All gud wishes fr his life ahead And you will always be missed for your contribution and services to the world & Indian cricket."

Fast bowler Sreesanth also dismissed the use of grammar and spelling when typing: "Very very special laxman bhai.. One of the gr8tst cricketrs india has ever seen.. Will surely be missd. God bless. Will always cherish those lovely moments with u brother. Ur one of the top most true gentleman cricketers ever. u will surely be missd. Had very few battng partnerships in test matchs nd most of thm wr with u. U hve really helped me nd will always be grateful to u nd ur family."

Virender Sehwag added to the mournful tone, saying: "VVS is one of the finest human beings to have played cricket. One of the main pillars of the team and a true friend. Words are not enough."

Suresh Raina tweeted: "From carrying his innings to carrying himself, VVS has shown immense class. Will miss you Laxman bhai…"

West Indies skipper Darren Sammy was also appreciative of Laxman, saying: "A very very special guy has retired! Wishing VVS Laxman all the best as he moves on after a wonderful career! He's a brilliant guy!"

Australia captain Michael Clarke was also moved to Tweet, saying: "Congrats to VVS Laxman on an amazing career."

Laxman said he wanted to make way for a younger player ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, which begins on 23 August in Hyderabad, Laxman's home town.

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