MS Dhoni announced his retirement from the international cricket on August 15 as he posted a video on his official Instagram account. His call shook all his fans as he called curtains to his 16 years long career.
The Pakistan cricket fraternity greeted the former Indian skipper for such an impactful career after he retired from the national jersey. They called him one of the finest skippers that India produced and the one, who wedged the game in his own way. During his tenure as the skipper, Dhoni helped India win the 2011 ICC World Cup, World T20 in 2007 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Moreover, he also took the India team to the number one spot in Test cricket.
Former Pakistani players such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Basit Ali, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis Mudassar Nazar, Shahid Afridi greeted him on his retirement. One of the most successful Pakistani skippers Inzamam Ul Haq said, “He is in my mind one of the greatest cricket captains India has produced. A true match-winner against whom I enjoyed playing against a lot.”
Rashid Latif felt that Dhoni’s heritage will reminisce forever in Indian cricket but at the same time, his departure means Virat Kohli now can produce his own bequest. “Fantastic player and captain. He had this knack for reading the game so accurately and using his players accordingly for every situation and he was the perfect match finisher. He used to read the situation so well and finish accordingly. The criticism against him after last year’s World Cup’s semi-final was unjustified as he tried his best in difficult circumstances.” Latif added.
Mudassar Nazar the Former Test opener for Pakistan said there was no uncertainty that Dhoni was one of the prodigious finishers the game has shaped. “I first saw him when I was coaching in Kenya. There was a triangular tournament in Nairobi and Dhoni scored back-to-back centuries. But even then, I never knew he would go on to leave such a big impact on Indian and world cricket,” Mudassar said.
Muhammad Yousuf himself a top batsman said that Dhoni’s skill to get runs as a skipper and wicketkeeper was bewildering. “He batted at different positions and he always delivered. I remember his innings in the 2011 World Cup final. It was a masterstroke the way he promoted himself in the batting order and hit the winning six.” Yousuf said.
Basit Ali alleged that he had never seen a more adaptable player than Dhoni in his entire career. “Just look at his record for India and for Chennai Super Kings it is amazing. When he played for Pune in 2016 and 2017 his team played in the IPL final. Such was his impact on any team.” He added.
Former Test opener and Pakistan’s chief selector, Mohsin Khan also acknowledged Dhoni’s utmost contribution to the game, especially how he built the foundation for the forthcoming generation of cricketers.
“His balancing act was so impressive. The way he led the senior players, gave them respect and kept the calm in the dressing room. The way he picked and then backed so many young players who have eventually become world-class performers for India including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.” Mohsin Khan said.
Moin Khan, Former captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, too had special confrontations for Dhoni. “Personally, I find him to be a very exciting and class player who fits the description of an impact-player perfectly. He really came through for India and he deserves all credit for the way he set the example with his bowling, batting and fielding,” said Moin.
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
Flamboyant all-rounder, Shahid Afridi also applauded Dhoni in a tweet and wished him the best for the future. “One of the true legends of the game and one of the greatest captains,” Afridi wrote.
