Twitter Reactions: Cricketers react as MS Dhoni bids adieu to captaincy

The Indian skipper MS Dhoni stepped down from limited-overs captaincy after staying at the helm for almost a decade. One of the finest captains to have ever played the game, he was the most successful captain ever in T20Is and the second most successful captain in ODIs.

This news came as a shock to the cricketing world as they expected him to continue till the Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in June this year. While the timing was apt, considering Virat Kohli’s growth as a leader in the traditional format, it was difficult to sink in the feeling that Captain Cool won’t be taking those marvel decisions behind the stumps anymore.

Just as the selection for the England ODI series was round the corner, the BCCI released a statement, “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,”

However, he’s still available for selection as a wicketkeeper-batsman. This hints that he might be looking for a longer run, which is possibly the 2019 World Cup. He can now bat without any added pressure and focus on piling up runs on a consistent basis. But again, it’s Dhoni and at the end of the day, you’d expect the unexpected from him.

Also read- Sakshi Dhoni leaves a special message for MS Dhoni

While the outpouring from the fans continued, many cricketers also joined in with gratitude towards Dhoni. He has been responsible for shaping a number of careers. He has backed many players with ability by giving them enough chances to succeed and prove their potential at the bigger stage. This indeed shows what a stature Dhoni has as the captain.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions by cricketers that took place regarding Dhoni stepping down from captaincy:

India's most successful captain @msdhoni who translated his vision into reality.Inspired many to dream more, do more and become more.Salute! pic.twitter.com/YjWnAgl7VQ

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) January 4, 2017

Will miss you at the helm @msdhoni

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 4, 2017

A true leader @msdhoni he influenced so many cricketing careers including mine when he asked me to open in the ICC Champions Trophy

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 4, 2017

Any aMOUNT of Words will be less to describe his legacy as the captain of Indian team @BCCI Mahi @msdhoni incredibly well done #Dhoni

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2017

.@msdhoni #captain pic.twitter.com/8IFLI8geRE

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 4, 2017

Take a bow @msdhoni .To lead India for 9 years with such wonderful results, India were really blessed to have you as #Captain .

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 4, 2017

It's about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it" @msdhoni

— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) January 5, 2017

“Thank you @msdhoni bhai for being a leader that I have learnt a lot from.Thank you my first international captain!

— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) January 5, 2017

Even one of the greatest captains of all time decides enough is enough … Well done @msdhoni on an incredible leadership term .. #Dhoni

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 4, 2017

Outstanding 9 years as captain @msdhoni ?? ??#ledge

— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) January 5, 2017

Not only the best captain i have played under ,but a person from whom i have learnt about #leadership #captaincy #respect @msdhoni ?? pic.twitter.com/wayPxYcULe

— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 5, 2017

One of the best captain in world cricket and good friend. Thanks for always being there and am happy will keep playing with you @msdhoni

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 5, 2017

As a captain, the achievements you have are outstanding & exemplary. You have set such high standards for the generations to follow @msdhoni

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) January 5, 2017

@msdhoni A leader par excellence?A player's captain indeed?Looking forward 2 some more stellar deeds for Team Ind from a fantastic finisher?

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 5, 2017

I think @msdhoni will go down as one of India's most successful captains. He is a great man and still has a lot to offer Indian cricket.

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 4, 2017

.@msdhoni, you are an inspiration to millions! I will treasure each & every moment I experienced under your captaincy.#ThankYouCaptainCool pic.twitter.com/3NdHtZmK1n

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 5, 2017