'Real-life hero': Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh lead cricket fraternity in hailing Captain Smit Machchhar after saving 174 lives

NEW DELHI: The courage of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured while trying to prevent a potential catastrophe aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, has earned admiration from across the country, including some of India's biggest cricketing names.Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Virender Sehwag were among the former India cricketers who took to social media to salute Machchhar for his bravery and presence of mind during the terrifying mid-air incident.Machchhar was the captain of the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight when a violent confrontation reportedly broke out in the cockpit on Wednesday. According to reports, he was attacked by his co-pilot but, despite suffering serious injuries, managed to help open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 people aboard were reported safe.'A true real-life hero': Sachin TendulkarTendulkar was among the first prominent cricketers to acknowledge Machchhar's courage."Learnt about the incredible bravery of Captain Smit Machchhar. Immense courage in the face of a terrifying and unprecedented challenge. A true real-life hero. The entire world is proud of you," Tendulkar wrote.Raina hails 'son of Gujarat'Former India batter Suresh Raina also paid tribute to Machchhar, highlighting the captain's courage despite being seriously injured."A true hero, a proud moment for India! Salute to Captain Smit Machchhar, a son of Gujarat, whose extraordinary courage and presence of mind, even while seriously injured, helped save 174 precious lives," Raina wrote.Sehwag praises his courage under pressureVirender Sehwag highlighted the extraordinary circumstances in which Machchhar continued to act despite his injuries."In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others," Sehwag wrote.Yuvraj: 'Some moments show you what a person is truly made of'Yuvraj Singh also joined the tributes, focusing on Machchhar's decision to put the safety of others ahead of his own."Some moments show you what a person is truly made of," Yuvraj wrote.Machchhar, who has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience and previously worked with SpiceJet before joining flydubai in 2022, is currently recovering after undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.