Not unexpectedly, the tributes for Sir Donald Bradman continued to pour in from all over the world for the second day in succession. And India did not lag behind in paying their respects.

Recalling his association with the great cricketer, former Test player Chandu Sarwate, who played all five Test matches against Bradman's Australian team in 1947-48, said in Indore "Bradman was not only a great cricketer, but also a clever captain, intelligent selector and an excellent administrator." He said "Sir Don always had ample time to understand the line and length of the ball coming to him and could place it wherever he wished. He missed a Test average of 100 by just four runs." However, even the average of 99.94 too is not possible for anyone to achieve in the present scenario," Sarwate said.

Sarwate said "his running between the wickets was exceptionally good and that is why he was also described as the best athlete in the cricket field by his fans."

Former Indian spin bowler CS Nayudu, who also made the 1947-48 tour said that he was deeply pained at the news. "That he was the greatest batsman was never in doubt but he was also a great character. He was most humble and he respected his opponents and was fair in his approach. There will not be another cricketer like him. I have some very fond memories of Don and I will always take pride in my association with him."

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar who surpassed Bradman's long standing record of 29 Test centuries said he was deeply saddened by the news. "To Indians, for whom cricket is a religion Sir Donald Bradman was God and there will be immense sadness all over the cricketing world at his passing away."

Gavaskar's brother in law and another former batting maestro GR Viswanath described Bradman as a towering personality while his Karnataka colleague and former Indian off spinner Erapalli Prasanna said Bradman was a unique person. "His achievements did not affect his personality and he was a very good human being."

Prasanna's spin twin BS Chandrasekhar recalled his meetings with Bradman on the tours of 1967-68 and ten years later and said that he wished he had spent more time to get to know him personally. Another former Test cricketer from Karnataka Brijesh Patel who went on the 1977-78 tour said "Obviously Bradman was the greatest batsman ever. His record speaks for itself. I do not think it will ever be broken."

In Chennai, former Indian cricketer and double international MJ Gopalan said Bradman's death was a big loss not only for Australia, but for the entire cricketing community. "He was a perfect gentleman and a formidable cricketer," said the nonagenarian.

Former Indian opening batsman Mushtaq Ali said in Indore "it was possible only for cricketers like Bradman to score 300 runs in just a single day" and added that he was master of all the strokes mentioned in the cricket book.

In New Delhi, former India captain Bishen Singh Bedi said it was a sad day for cricket. "The greatest ever cricketer is no more. I have lost a very good friend and guide," said Bedi who had maintained regular correspondence with Bradman over the years. "He had enormous impact on my cricket. He was my cricketing God - the ultimate in just about everything he did. He was a versatile genius," Bedi added.

The president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India AC Muthiah said in Chennai that Bradman was undoubtedly the greatest cricketer whose electrifying batting exploits added a new dimension to the game. "With his record breaking performances, he became a legend in his life time. The affable Don, apart from carving out a special place for himself in the history of the game, had inspired many cricketers to excel. Though his demise will evoke sadness among cricket lovers all over the world he has through his great performances ensured that his name will live forever. He will continue to be the guiding star for every aspiring cricketer."

Ashok Kumbhat, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association said it was a sad and gloomy day for the cricketing fraternity worldwide. "In his passing away, the cricketing fraternity has become poorer. He has left a void which can never be filled," he said.

Tributes came not only from all over the cricket world but also from the UN. Secretary-General Kofi Annan led the tributes saying he stood for the values of fair play and international cooperation "that are at the heart of the United Nations." In a statement, he said "One of the greatest sportsmen the world has ever known, Sir Donald matched his extraordinary record of accomplishment on the field with grace and honour off it."

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