Cricket: Indian great Sachin Tendulkar pays tribute to retiring Brendon McCullum

McCullum and Tendulkar in 2010.
McCullum and Tendulkar in 2010. Photo credit: Photosport

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has taken to social media to pay tribute to retiring Blackcaps great Brendon McCullum.

On Monday, the former NZ skipper, who pulled stumps on his international career in 2016, formally announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

Widely regarded as the greatest batsman ever, Tendulkar, who is close to a deity in his native India, sent the "fearless" Kiwi his well wishes in a tweet on Monday evening.

"Your contribution to NZ cricket has been terrific," Tendulkar posted. 

"There was a fine balance between your fearless approach and focus on technique. The brand of cricket you encouraged your team to play was always entertaining."

The two squared off for their respective nations on a handful of occasions, notably during India's tour of New Zealand in 2009 and the Blackcaps' return series to the subcontinent in 2010.

The 37-year-old McCullum has been plying his trade on the lucrative T20 world circuit for the past three years.

He's also made a career shift into the commentary box, where he was a regular during the recent World Cup in England.

"My style of cricket has always been full noise, full throttle," McCullum wrote in his parting statement.

"Unfortunately, the sacrifices needed and commitment required to play that type of cricket have now become too great." 

Newshub.