Tributes pour in for Dravid after he announces retirement

New Delhi, Mar 10(ANI): The cricket fraternity has paid tributes to Indian batsman Rahul Dravid, who announced his retirement from international cricket after an illustrious 16-year career.

"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," Sport 24 quoted masterblaster Sachin Tendulkar as saying.

Former India skipper and Karnataka team-mate Anil Kumble described Dravid as "the perfect ambassador" for cricket and an "ideal team man".

"Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Rahul. I am really fortunate to have played alongside you. I've enjoyed every moment I've played with you. It's been an honour," he said Kumble, while he was sitting alongside Dravid, as he announced his retirement at a press conference in Bangalore.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan and current batsman Kevin Pietersen described Dravid as a "legend" on their Twitter accounts.

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson described him as "the nicest guy" in the sport.

South African batsman Jacques Kallis said Dravid possessed "one of the best techniques in the game and was always a prized wicket to get".

Dravid amassed 13, 288 runs in 164 Tests, making him the world's second-highest scorer after Tendulkar.

Dravid, who also scored 10,889 runs in 344 one-day matches, also holds a world record of 210 Test catches. (ANI)