Indian cricketers mourn Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

“My deepest condolences on the passing of our former Prime Minister Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. One of the few politicians I always respected for his honesty and devotion to the national cause. May his soul rest in peace,” said current India Test opener Shikhar Dhawan.

“The Indian Cricket Team and BCCI condoles the sad demise of former India Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Atalji dedicated his life in service of the nation,” wrote the BCCI on its official twitter handle.

“India is at a great loss today. Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee ji’s contributions to our nation have been innumerable. Thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones,” wrote Tendulkar.

Less than 24 hours after the demise of former India Test captain Ajit Wadekar, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former India Prime Minister, passed away on Wednesday evening in New Delhi, prompting the current and former India cricketers to give condolences to the BJP leader.

One of India's Most Loved Prime Minister, a great poet and a wonderful statesman. We as a nation will miss you sir #AtalBihariVaajpayee ji Deepest condolences to admirers and loved ones,” tweeted VVS Laxman.

“Asaman ko choo gaya, jo asmaan sa vishal tha, dharti mein simat gaya, jo mitti jaisa narm tha. Kaun hai jo Atal reh paya zindagi bhar, Atal banke wo zindagi ko paa gaya. Om Shanti #AtalBihariVajpayee ji,” wrote Virender Sehwag.

Proving their sense of respect is not only limited to cricket, the Indian cricket fraternity mourned the death of Vajpayee.