'You have been a great inspiration' - A sad Mahmudullah Riyad after MS Dhoni's retirement from international cricket

August 15, 2020 marks the end of an era in Indian cricket history. The three ICC trophies winning captain MS Dhoni broke the hearts of millions of cricket fans across the globe as he announced his retirement from international cricket. The legendary cricketer silently bid an adieu to the gentleman’s game without any press conference or any farewell match.

Though Dhoni’s retirement was speculated for a long time, it came as a shocker for the fans and fellow cricketers. Dhoni last donned the Indian jersey 13 months back during the semi-final match of World Cup 2019 against New Zealand. Since then he hasn’t played even a single match. Many felt that MS will make a comeback in the Indian team after leading Chennai Super Kings in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. However, that isn’t the case.

As soon as he broke the news on his social media, his lakhs of fans on Twitter began pouring their love and respect for the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman. His former teammates including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, current Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Home Minister Amit Shah and many other prominent personalities paid tribute to Dhoni and wished him all the best for his future endeavours.

Mahmudullah Riyad pens a note for MS Dhoni

The new addition to this list is Bangladeshi all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad. The cricketer penned down an emotional note for the former Indian captain. The 34-year old wrote about his admiration and love for MS Dhoni.

Sharing a picture of himself and Mahi, Riyad tweeted, “You have been a great inspiration in my cricket career.I really admire & look up to your cricketing ability,decision makings & most of all your calmness no matter what situation you are in! I was really sad when I just heard your announcement.Thank u Mahi bhai.#Legend #CaptainCool”

You have been a great inspiration in my cricket career.I really admire & look upto your cricketing ability,decision makings & most of all your calmness no matter what situation you are in! I was really sad when I just heard your announcement.Thank u Mahi bhai.#Legend #CaptainCool pic.twitter.com/spIk7F7XdL

— Mahmudullah Riyad (@Mahmudullah30) August 15, 2020

In a career spanning over 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is, the Indian stalwart scored more than 16,000 international runs. Dhoni holds the record of being the only captain in the world to have won all the three ICC trophies; 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. The Ranchi-born star will be again seen in action in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League leading the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.