Sachin Tendulkar [Images] described Anil Kumble [Images] as a great player who will be an inspiration for generations to come.

"It's truly an honour and privilege to have played in the same era. He will remain an inspiration for the next generations. To become another Anil Kumble one will have to work really, really hard," he said, after the leg spinner announced his retirement on Sunday.

• A fighter to the core

Tendulkar recalled a match in Antigua when Kumble came into the match with his jaw bandaged and got Brian Lara [Images] out.

• 'The body gave me the decision; the injury helped it'

"This is one match I can't forget," he said. "He is one sportsperson who has a big heart.

"I have not come across a greater cricketer, who is good so dedicated to his work."

Rahul Dravid [Images], Kumble's predecessor as Indian captain and his statemate from Karnataka, described the leg-spinner as the country's greatest cricketer.

"He is an extraordinary man with extraordinary career. It's been a privilege to play with him," he said.

"It was emotional for all of us but it's a great time to celebrate the farewell of one of India's greatest cricketers," he added.

Another former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly [Images], who will be playing his last match in Nagpur next week, also echoed similar sentiments and said Kumble would be missed by the team.

"Anil is probably topmost of all. In that way he will be missed. I do not think his boots will be easy to fill. It will take quite some time."

Talking about a few memorable moments he shared with Kumble, Ganguly said, "His coming out to bowl today despite the injury, taking that catch yesterday with 11 stitches in his hand and the hundred he scored at The Oval, there are lots of them. He is very special," he said.