Australia Test captain Steve Waugh's decision to quit international cricket after the upcoming four-match series will be greeted with sadness in India, says batting ace Sachin Tendulkar.
Hailing the 38-year-old Waugh as the one who set great examples for cricketers, Tendulkar said he admires the player for playing the game at a completely different level.
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Waugh announced he will bring down the curtain on his illustrious career -- which includes 325 One-Day Internationals and 164 Test matches -- after playing the final Test of the forthcoming series against India, at Sydney, starting January 2.
"Anyone would want to play like him; he was completely at a different level as far as mental toughness is concerned," Tendulkar said.
"I think he's someone I've really admired; he's shown over the years that he's very gutsy and when the time demands he's there to deliver."
Tendulkar said the people of India, where Waugh has supported charities for many years, will also be saddened by his decision to quit the game.
The Indian batting maestro said the fourth Test of the India-Australia series in Sydney will be special.
"It will be nice to play in front of the home crowd for him. I'm sure there will be a lot of support and he thoroughly deserves it," the 30-year-old said.
"He's had a tremendous career. I would like to wish him the very best. He's set great examples on and off the field for all of us to follow."
Tendulkar admitted he did not have much to do with Waugh off the field but he enjoyed the time they shared together.
"He's a very private person; we haven't had many long conversations. We shot [an advertisement] once in India and I got to spend some time with him. He is a very nice person," he said.