International Cricket

Former Pakistani captains Inzamam-ul-Haq and Moin Khan have saluted Ganguly's mental strength and his aggression.

"Ganguly must have given careful thought before taking his decision. He is a great player. I think aggression has come into Indian cricket during Sourav's captaincy and India started winning matches," Inzamam said.

"He has displayed great mental strength by making come backs to the Indian team," he added.

Moin said young cricketers all over the world should learn from Ganguly's never-say-die attitude.

"Ganguly was a successful captain, one of the highly regarded players in international cricket. The way he has made come backs to the Indian team is an example for young players all over the world to learn that one should not lose hope," he said.

Meanwhile, reactions also poured in from his Bengal camp.

Former national selector Sambaran Banerjee was happy that Ganguly opted for a graceful exit and he will depart from international cricket with his head held high.

"Ganguly has served the nation for 12 years. He is a legend and the most successful Indian captain. I am very happy to have led the side when Sourav made his debut for Bengal in 1989-90 when we clinched the Ranji Trophy. He has made the right decision. It's a graceful exit and he will depart from international cricket with his head high like Sunil Gavaskar," Banerjee said.

"We are very happy for his service and I am sure he will continue to serve this game in some other way," he added.

Former Bengal Ranji captain Deep Dasgupta feels that Ganguly has left behind a cricketing legacy.

"You knew that it (retirement) is round the corner. But the moment it comes, it surprises you. But I feel he's leaving at a right time. We will definitely going to miss the most successful India captain," Dasgupta said.

Paras Mhambrey, former Bengal and current Baroda coach said, "I still remember his outstanding gesture when in the 2005-06 season he handed the hot seat of Bengal captaincy to Deep Dasgupta in our Ranji opener against Maharashtra in Pune.

"Even if he was not with the team busy with his international commitments he was in touch with me regularly, giving tips. It's sad but it's better to go with head held high and I believe Sourav has taken the right decision."