The two-time World Cup-winning captain kept everyone guessing about his retirement till the end but when he finally did, it left the cricket world overwhelmed with emotions.
Such was the impact he had had on his teammates like Suresh Raina that the southpaw chose to retire from international cricket on the same day.
Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020
Batting great Sachin Tendulkar had broken a plethora of records but the elusive World Cup win only came at the fag end of his career and under Dhoni's leadership.
Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you've gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart...... pic.twitter.com/0CuwjwGiiS
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020
Virat Kohli became the champion cricketer that he is under Dhoni's leadership and the latter's retirement naturally made the current India skipper emotional.
It is the end of an era. What a player he (MS Dhoni) has been for the country & world cricket. His leadership qualities have been something, which will be hard to match, especially in the shorter format of the game: BCCI President Sourav Ganguly (File pic) pic.twitter.com/U2o9NhlcYa
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2020
In his appreciation for Dhoni, BCCI president and former India skipper Sourav Ganguly wrote: “It is the end of an era. What a player he has been for the country and world cricket.
“His leadership qualities have been something, which will be hard to match, especially in the shorter format of the game.
“His batting in one-day cricket in his early stages made the world stand up and notice his flair and sheer natural brilliance. Every good thing comes to an end and this has been an absolutely brilliant one.
“He will finish with no regrets on the field.”
Massive boots to fill. It’s been a privilege and honour to be part of the dressing room and seeing you as a thoroughbred professional at work. Salute one of India’s greatest cricketers. Second to none. Enjoy. God Bless MS DHONI 🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/n6CfDTvE9q
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2020
India head coach Ravi Shastri said Dhoni's professionalism stood out.
To have a player like him,Mission Impossible. Na Koi Hai,Na Koi Tha, Na Koi Hoga MS ke jaisa. Players will come & go but there won’t be a calmer man like him. Dhoni with his connect with people having aspirations was like a family member to many cricket lovers. Om Finishaya Namah pic.twitter.com/glemkBUwWT
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2020
For his another World Cup-winning teammate Virender Sehwag, there can be none like Dhoni.
Seeing Dhoni’s journey from a small town boy into a match-winner and one of the most astute leaders the world has seen was remarkable. Thank you for the wonderful memories, Mahi. It was my privilege to play alongside you and I will always cherish the memories we shared together. pic.twitter.com/NgCUdR6aSN
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 15, 2020
MS Dhoni sir retires from International Cricket. My favourite and inspiration, all the best, you will rock whatever you do! #MSDhoni
— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) August 15, 2020
His post is a symbol of his simplicity and sincerity - "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired" pic.twitter.com/agxg6Fh6UA