MS Dhoni finally decided to retire from international cricket on Independence Day at 7.29 pm, the same time when he played his last ODI in the 2019 World Cup which India lost. Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria, Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, and Saeed Ajmal echoed heartfelt sentiments after the retirement of MS Dhoni.
India was celebrating its 74th year of independence when an unexpected announcement came in the form of MS Dhoni who ended speculations about his future by bidding farewell from international cricket as it rocked the cricket frenzy nation.
For a whole lot of young players, MS Dhoni who hails from the small town of Ranchi and has led his country to two World Cup titles and an ICC Champions Trophy is not a mere cricketer but a legend playing cricket. Many kids from small towns aspire to don the Indian jersey following MS Dhoni’s instance. People from all walks of life thanked him for his performance besides wishing him good luck in his retired life.
MS Dhoni Admired By Tweets From Pakistani Cricketers
Pakistan’s cricketers also did not shy away from expressing their respect and admiration for the former skipper and Shoaib Akhtar led the trend followed soon by Shahid Afridi and Danish Kaneria.
A man, an era, a person who changed the way the sport was played. We call him Mahendra Singh Dhoni. #DhoniRetires #mahendrasinghdhoni #Dhoni
Watch the full video here https://t.co/jLtVsfjejG pic.twitter.com/hcdVi6F8MT
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 15, 2020
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. https://t.co/ruw8hQ5z8Z
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 15, 2020
“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! pic.twitter.com/yX5qFpir4u
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) August 15, 2020
All of the trio congratulated MS Dhoni for changing cricket through their performance and wished him the very best in the near future when he will represent Chennai Super Kings in at least this edition of IPL 2020 in UAE.
MS Dhoni has captained Chennai Super Kings from its inaugural edition in 2008 except in 2016 and 2017 where he captained Rising Pune Supergiants due to the ban of CSK for 2 years. This year, he will be seen in action in UAE in IPL starting the 19th of September and both he and teammate Suresh Raina will look forward to performing well after their national retirements on Independence Day.
MS Dhoni Congratulated By Pakistani Cricketers For Being An Inspiration
They were followed by former Pakistani cricketers like Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, and Saeed Ajmal penning heartfelt sentiments regarding his retirement. Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, and Kamran Akmal also tweeted along with them.
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 remembered for being a lead cast in Indian cricket’s iconic moments.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) August 15, 2020
@msdhoni one of my favourite Crickterers has bade adieu to international cricket.He was someone who came ,played and conquered. 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) August 15, 2020
For many you have always been an inspiration & have been an exceptional performer for @BCCI. 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 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/wy4umq2SAh
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) August 15, 2020
Congratulations on a super career @msdhoni an amazing cricketer and cricketing mind ??
All the best in your next chapter.— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) August 16, 2020
Congrats to @msdhoni on a wonderful cricketing career ! Was a pleasure watching you play . Good luck for your new career,legend ? pic.twitter.com/jSLpLCoLpj
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) August 16, 2020
Go well in retirement @msdhoni ?#GOAT
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) August 16, 2020
Mahendra Singh Dhoni captained India from 2007 to 2016 in limited-overs and from 2008 to 2014 in Tests. Under him, India won the world cup after a hiatus of 28 years in 2011 and also won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. He is the only captain to win T20, the 50 overs World Cup, and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
He is also one of the highest run-scorers in ODIs besides being the only wicket-keeper to affect more than 150 stumpings across the three formats. He has played most matches as captain in T20I and has the most wins in T20I as captain. His highest score of unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka in 2005 is the highest score by a wicket-keeper.