Harsha Bhogle lauds MS Dhoni's selfless decision to step down as captain

MS Dhoni has resigned as the captain of the ODI and T20I team just ahead of the series against England. Though he has stepped down as skipper he is available for selection for both the series. Now, MSK Prasad & Co. will on January 6 not only select the team but will also have the responsibility of electing a new leader. In all likelihood Test skipper, Virat Kohli will take over from Dhoni like he did in the longest format.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Chief Executive Officer Rahul Johri said, “Mahendra Singh Dhoni has informed the BCCI, that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from the One Day Internationals and the T20 Internationals formats of the game. He will be available for the selection for the Paytm One Day Trophy and Paytm T20I Trophy against England and the same has been conveyed to the Senior Selection Committee.”

“On behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank M.S. Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket.”

The most successful Indian captain led the team in 199 ODIs and 72 T20Is. He rose to the top leading the team to a win in the first ever ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. Then the biggest moment in Indian cricket when his team won the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011. They backed it up with a follow up win in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

Also read – 10 best quotes on MS Dhoni’s captaincy by Cricketing Legends

Commentator Harsha Bhogle immediately expressed his opinion on Dhoni decision to Twitter and wrote: “Time to stand up and applaud a magnificent servant, and indeed leader, of Indian cricket. #Dhoni.

Clearly Dhoni thinks the moment has come. Thought he would quit after the Champions Trophy, but this is a selfless move.

World T20, World Cup, Champions Trophy, Test No 1, IPL titles, Champions League titles. Everything in the game. #Dhoni.

Many memories, many emotions. But typical of a man who never hogged the limelight; even as captain of a World Cup winning team. 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.

Good thing about this decision is that there is still no competition for Dhoni. Would be keen to know who he consulted though! Suspect nobody.

All things considered though, Dhoni has taken the right decision. Over the last year, this had become Kohli’s team.”

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

Good thing about this decision is that there is still no competition for Dhoni.Would be keen to know who he consulted though! Suspect nobody

— 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

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