On Wednesday, 35-year-old Mahendra Singh Dhoni stunned the country by stepping down as India's limited-overs captain, leaving his fans and colleagues in the cricketing fraternity sad but proud.
The country's most successful skipper led Team India to two World Cups and a Champions Trophy title.
Everyone was heartbroken that the captain had hung up his shoes.
Many came forward to congratulate Dhoni on his spectacular journey and wish him well, including cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.
He wrote:
"Congratulations to MSD on a wonderful career as a captain leading India to success in both T20 and ODI World Cups. Have seen him emerge from an aggressive player to a steady and decisive captain. It's a day to celebrate his successful captaincy and respect his decision. Wish MSD the very best as he continues entertaining us on the field with his exploits."
.@msdhoni #captain pic.twitter.com/8IFLI8geRE
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 4, 2017
Others from the cricket fraternity had something to say too.
Harsha Bhogle, as always, summed things up well.
Time to stand up and applaud a magnificent servant, and indeed leader, of Indian cricket. #Dhoni
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2017
Clearly Dhoni thinks the moment has come. Thought he would quit after the Champions Trophy, but this is a selfless move.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2017
World T20, World Cup, Champions Trophy, Test No 1, IPL titles, Champions League titles. Everything in the game. #Dhoni
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2017
Many memories, many emotions. But typical of a man who never hogged the limelight; even as captain of a World Cup winning team.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2017
Trying to think like #Dhoni. Kohli most likely 2019 World Cup captain, so best that he leads in the Champions Trophy so best he starts now.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2017
All things considered though, Dhoni has taken the right decision. Over the last year, this had become Kohli's team.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2017
From one sport to another!
@msdhoni Congratulations on a wonderful career as India's captain. 🏏👏
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 4, 2017
We hope to see you at Old Trafford soon!
I will remember Dhoni as a captain, who got calmness of nerves & champion like performance on the big nights to Indian cricket. #dhoni
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 5, 2017
Even one of the greatest captains of all time decides enough is enough ... Well done @msdhoni on an incredible leadership term .. #Dhoni
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 4, 2017
Any aMOUNT of Words will be less to describe his legacy as the captain of Indian team @BCCI Mahi @msdhoni incredibly well done #Dhoni
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2017
great era of Indian captaincy comes to an end with you @msdhoni #CaptainCool took out of box decisions that worked pic.twitter.com/uML6OpYfYu
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) January 4, 2017
Take a bow @msdhoni .To lead India for 9 years with such wonderful results, India were really blessed to have you as #Captain .
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 4, 2017
You'd rarely see Dhoni's picture hugging or carrying the trophy around...allowed others to take centre-stage--a priceless quality.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 5, 2017
What a captain you've been @msdhoni! Will always remember you winning world cups almost single handedly.
— Irrfan (@irrfank) January 4, 2017
Thnk u @msdhoni 4 making us feel euphoric & proud all these yrs. It was not only winnings but u also defined #Attitude for Indian Cricket.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 4, 2017
I think @msdhoni will go down as one of India's most successful captains. He is a great man and still has a lot to offer Indian cricket.
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 4, 2017
There is no one like you.
— Sushant Singh Rajput (@itsSSR) January 4, 2017
You're the reason for millions of smiles.
Take a bow my Captain.🙏@msdhoni #dhoni pic.twitter.com/NLRtTlcPhq
Sakshi Rawat, Dhoni's better half joined in too!
@msdhoni There are no mountains high enough to stop you from climbing.Proud of you !! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
— Sakshi Singh 🇮🇳❤️ (@SaakshiSRawat) January 4, 2017
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