There have been very few cricketers who have captured the imagination of sports watchers over the years. These are the players even oppositions applaud, and even the countries they play against love to see them succeed against them. They can be counted in fingures.

pre 1950s- one and only Don Bradman

1950s-1980s- Viv Richards

1980s- none

1990s- Lara, Sachin, Warne

2000-cricket played at its lowest standard with no genuine fast bowlers around, countries like Ban and Zim playing test cricket, Pak one time a formidable team been sunk into levels unimaginable, Aus no more the potent force since Warne and McGrath retired........

I believe crickets golden age is over and after Warne, and Lara Sachin is the last of the dynasours. The day he quits, cricket won't be a part of my life for sure.

Lets cherish a great sportsperson irrespective of his nationality, someone who besides being a superb cricketer, carried the hopes of billions of his fans day in and day out, stayed dignified and the best compliment is...in the days of matchfixing in late 90s, book makers won't fix a match while he played.They had to wait till he got out.