'One of India's best': How cricket stars reacted to Gautam Gambhir's retirement

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was showered with love, support and good wishes by the cricket fraternity after he announced retirement from all forms of cricket.

Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, congratulating Gambhir for a "glorious career". The master blaster further acknowledged the role of the opening batsman in their 2011 World Cup glory.

"Congratulations @GautamGambhir on a glorious career. You were a special talent and had a Gambhir role in our win in the World Cup finals. Batting with you at Napier was extra special. Enjoy your second innings with family and friends!" Tendulkar wrote with a personal touch.

Congratulations @GautamGambhir on a glorious career. You were a special talent and had a Gambhir role in our win in the World Cup finals. Batting with you at Napier was extra special. Enjoy your second innings with family and friends! pic.twitter.com/dNpyNfbLe6

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 5, 2018

Calling Gambhir "one of India's best", Indian spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin thanked him for being a source of inspiration to him. 

"One of Indias best has bid farewell to the game, @GautamGambhir you have been inspirational to me and many others over the years and now I am sure is the beginning of even better things from you. #gautithefighter #GautamGambhirRetires," Ashwin tweeted.

One of Indias best has bid farewell to the game, @GautamGambhir you have been inspirational to me and many others over the years and now I am sure is the beginning of even better things from you. #gautithefighter #GautamGambhirRetires

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) December 5, 2018

Fast bowler Irfan Pathan tweeted: "Played with all heart with some amazing match-winning knocks for the country and I?m sure your journey ahead will be even better. Happy retirement brother @GautamGambhir."

Played with all heart with some amazing match winning knocks for the country and I’m sure your journey ahead will be even better. Happy retirement brother @GautamGambhir

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 4, 2018

Indian ODI opening pair Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan also bid farewell to their former teammate. 

"It's been an absolute honour to play alongside you and against you. Congratulations on a phenomenal career and I wish you a happy retirement, @GautamGambhir," Sharma tweeted.

It's been an absolute honour to play alongside you and against you. Congratulations on a phenomenal career and I wish you a happy retirement, @GautamGambhir 

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) December 5, 2018

"Bidding farewell to one of the finest players of the country @GautamGambhir. Wish the best for you in the future Gauti Bhai," Dhawan wrote in a tweet.

Bidding farewell to one of the finest players of the country @GautamGambhir. Wish the best for you in the future Gauti Bhai  pic.twitter.com/qr14XVN3q7

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) December 5, 2018

Congratulating him for his "fantastic career", veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman tweeted: "Congratulations @GautamGambhir on a fantastic career. You can be very proud of the way you played every time you stepped on to the cricket field. I cherish the truly memorable moments we shared & am sure you will continue to serve the country in your own ways. #ThankYouGambhir"

Congratulations @GautamGambhir on a fantastic career. You can be very proud of the way you played every time you stepped on to the cricket field. I cherish the truly memorable moments we shared & am sure you will continue to serve the country in your own ways. #ThankYouGambhir

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 4, 2018

Gambhir played a total of 58 Test matches scoring 4154 runs with an average of 41.96. In ODIs, he appeared in 147 matches and made 5238 runs with an average of 39.68.