On Saturday, August 15, while India was celebrating its 74th year of independence, an announcement that no one saw coming rocked the cricket-frenzy nation. MS Dhoni, just like that, bid adieu to international cricket. The newꦑs also brought an abrupt end to incessant speculations about his future.
For a whole lot of young players, Dhoni is more than a mere cricketer. Not many would have entertained an idea of a certain guy from a sma🦩ll, hilly town of Ranchi leading his nation to twoඣ World Cup titles, an ICC Champions Trophy and carving his name in the annals of cricket history.
Dhoni, thus, symbolises a possibility for many such kids hailing from a small town, mꦛiddle-class background and aspiring to don Men in Blue jersey in their life.
As ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement on Instagram, people from all walks of life thanked him for his service and wished good luck for his second innings.
Even Pakistani cricketers didn’t shy away from expressing their respect and admiration to the former Indian skipper. Shoaib Akhtar led the trend, followed by his colleagues like Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria and others.
Akhtar took to Twitter and wrote: “Mahendra Singh Dhoni retires from international cricket. The story of cricket will never be complete without him. Video tribute coming up shortly. What a legend! #DhoniRetires #mahendrasinghdhoni”.
A man, an era, a person who changed the way the sport was played. We call him Mahendra Singh Dhoni. 🥂
Watch the full video here
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph)
“One of the true legends of Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains, congratulations on a great career MS Dhoni! All the best for your future,” tweeted Afridi.
One of the true legends of🌞 Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains, congratulations on a great career MS Dhoni! All the best for your fut♛ure.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial)
Former Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria alsღo penned a heartfelt message for the Indian legend.
“Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hun, Pal Do Pal Meri Kahani”! “My best wishes to most successful captain of Indian Cricket team @msdhoni for his future endeavours. World will miss the finisher!” wrote Kaneria.
“Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hun,ꦕ Pal Do Pal Meri Kahani”!
My best wishes to most successful captain ♑of Indian Cricket tea🦩m for his future endeavours. World will miss the finisher!
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61)
Apart from th෴em, former cricketers like Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Saeed Ajmal among the others echoed the same sentiments regarding Dhoni’s retirement.
MSDhoni retires from international cricket! Great leader, great record, great entertainer and best in the world at a DRS read, but above all MS will be remembe⛦red for being a lead cast in Indian cricket’s iconic moments.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja)
one of my favourite Crickterers has bade adieu to international cricket.He was someone who came ,played and conq♋uered. Won India T20 World Cup World Cup and champions trophy.Loved his daring style never afraid of the opposition.Go well Mahi whatever you do in life
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive)
For many you have always been an inspiration &a🌱mp; have been an exceptional performer for . Indian team has achieved many glorious titles under your captaincy.I have also enjoyed playing with you. one of the most gentle & humble person. All the best bro
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23)
Congratulations on a super career an amazing cricketer and cricketing mind 👏🏽
All the best in your next chapter.— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki)
Congrats to on a wonderful cricketing career ! Was a ple💛asure watching you play . Good luck for your new career,legend 👍
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal)
Go well in retirement 👏
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim)
