MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket. (Photo: Express Archive)Mahendra Singh Dhoni, lovingly called Mahi by fans, on Saturday announced his retirement from international cricket. Sharing a video on Instagram, he wrote, “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired.”
MS Dhoni, 39, is one of India’s most loved sportspersons. On the field, he was known for his calm demeanour and cool disposition even when things were not going his way.
Dhoni-led Indian cricket team won the first-ever Twenty20 World Cup held in 2007. In 2011, the Indian team won its second Cricket World Cup under his captaincy.
Apart from his captaincy, MS Dhoni was also known as one of the best wicket-keepers and a destructive finisher batsman in limited-overs cricket and led the team to several unlikely wins through his batting.
He also found success in the Indian Premier League, leading Chennai Super Kings to victory thrice.
Following the retirement announcement, celebrities expressed gratitude to Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his invaluable contribution to Indian cricket.
Mahesh Babu in a tweet mentioned, "How can I ever forget the iconic sixer!! World cup champions 2011 India!! Was in the stands at Wankhede, proud and tears rolling down... Cricket will never be the same... Take a bow @msdhoni"
Radikaa Sarathkumar said, "You gave Captaincy a new meaning, your calmness and demeanour is an inspiration to many. Your game , you gave it all. With the same calmness you bid adieu. Miss you #msdhoni"
Abhishek Bachchan called Dhoni's retirement an end of an era. "Thank you @msdhoni for all the memories! All the best for your next innings. You filled a nation with belief and pride. One of the greatest of all time," he wrote.
Varalakshmi Sarathkumar took to Twitter and wrote, "What can you say about a man like @msdhoni ...all we can say is Thank you for the cricket..thank you for making us proud..thank you for entertaining us with your every breath..there will never be another you..and u will always be our captain..we love you #dhoni."
Anushka Sharma took to her Instagram stories and wrote, "Thank you MSD for the memories that we will never forget."
Nakuul Mehta tweeted, "Saw this coming but still hard not to well up thinking about how he made your lives so much more joyful & beautiful with the way he played the game. Thank you @msdhoni"
Sidharth Shukla posted on Twitter, "There will be a lot of players & captains bt there can never b another #Dhoni..D man who always lead frm d front ..many play fr records you played to win and made records....India will miss you terribly.Thank you #MSDhoni & #Raina for your immense contribution to Team India!"
Renuka Shahane mentioned on Twitter, "#MSDhoni 💔 Dear @msdhoni you will always be respected & loved for the exemplary manner in which you have lead our Indian team. You will always be remembered & missed on the field. Salute. Thank you for an extraordinary innings."
Nivin Pauly took to Twitter and wrote, "Legends don’t retire! Thank you for the beautiful memories! You will be forever my captain! #ThankYouDhoni"
Priyadarshan shared on Twitter, "As long as cricket and Dhoni is there he will never b able to retire from the mind of millions of people like me who admire his contributions to the world of cricket #DhoniRetires #Dhoni #msdhoni"
"Nooooo!!! You’ve always known the best ..Thanks for the entertainment 🙏🏽 #Dhoni #MSDhoni," Randeep Hooda said via Twitter.
Divya Dutta tweeted, "#Dhoni retires!! Thankyou captain for making us proud always!! Ever dependable!! Amazing memories !! You be done India proud!! Keep inspiring us!!"
MS Dhoni's retirement took the cricket world by surprise on Saturday evening when he made the announcement on his official Instagram account.
Armaan Malik shared on Twitter, "Indian cricket will never be the same without you @MSDhoni sir. You inspired a generation of youngsters to follow their dreams and never give up. Thank you for all the precious memories. May your 2nd innings be as amazing as your first. Love and respect 🙏🏻"
Mohit Raina posted on Instagram, "No7 for life ❤️Maahi Maaaaaaarrrrrrrrr Raha hai."
Pranitha Subhash mentioned, "MS Dhoni retires from international cricket! Thank you for being the source of happiness and pride for the last 16 years for every Indian! This is going to be hard. #MSDhoni #Mahi"
Aamir Ali took to Twitter and wrote, "Will miss u in blue #Dhoni ..one of de beat captain of all time and certainly the best best finisher #legend #Cricket #MSDhoni #mahendrasinghdhoni"