’It felt as if we’d lost one of our own’ – Indian President pays touching tribute to late cricketing great Shane Warne

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a touching tribute to cricket icon Shane Warne while speaking at a near-capacity Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney's west on Tuesday night.

Modi, who is on his first Australian visit since 2014, received a rapturous, rockstar-like reception from 20,000 fans who flocked from across the country to see him.

Anthony Albanese and Modi unveiled a 'Little India' plaque to be installed at a hub of Indian culture in Sydney's west, and the Aussie PM revealed a new Centre for Australia-India Relations would be established at Parramatta.

Modi highlighted the cricketing ties between India and Australia and said when Shane Warne passed away last year, Indians felt like they had lost one of their own.

“Our cricket relations go back 75 years. Our off-the-field friendship is as profound as the interesting cricket matches on the cricket field,” he said.

“Many women cricketers from Australia participated for the first time in the Women's Premier League.

“It's not only in moments of joy that we stand together, but a true friend is also there in times of sorrow.

“Last year, when the great Shane Warne passed away, millions of Indians mourned along with Australia.

“It felt as if we had lost one of our own,” Modi said.

The cricketing legend died from a heart attack at the age of 52 while attending a wellness retreat in Thailand on March 4, 2022.

News of his shock death sparked an outpouring of emotion from across the world and from all quarters, including the entertainment industry, politics and the sporting community.

Warne, who made his international debut against India in 1992, loved visiting the subcontinent and had good relationships with players like Rohit Sharma, Virender Sehwag and of course, Sachin Tendulkar.

The spin king was a fan favourite in India and his rivalry with Tendulkar was legendary.

After his retirement in 2007, Warne led the Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural Indian Premier League title as a playing coach, and is remembered fondly as the 'first Royal' today.

When the second wave of Covid-19 struck India, Warne expressed his concern and extended his love and support to the country's people.

“Thinking of my Indian friends at this horrific time. Please be safe and look after yourself and your families, so sad what's happening in your wonderful country. Sending love and support,” he tweeted.

(Daily Mail)