New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s journey on the international stage finally came to an end as he announced retirement from international cricke on Saturday
“Thanks Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” he wrote on Instagram.
Considered one of the greatest captains to play the game and arguably India’s greatest, Dhoni’s ride got a bit bumpy but in the end, the 37-year-old walked out with nothing but respect and achievements to hold on to.
Dhoni’s arrival to world cricket came at a stage when India had many wicketkeepers coming into the fray but once he arrived, he made the spot his own for the next 15 years.
Blessed with quick hands and huge tactical acumen, Dhoni’s ability to read the game along with his brute power, made him a force to be reckoned with pretty soon in the Indian middle-order. Backed by then captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve big things, Dhoni made full use of the opportunity to make his presence felt.
Dhoni was always a hard-hitter of the cricket ball. His 143 against Pakistan and 183 against Sri Lanka forced people to compare him with Adam Gilchrist but what made Dhoni special was his ability to bat according to the situation and that came as he grew older and wiser and in the end, perhaps he became more of a Michael Bevan than the swashbuckling Gilchrist at the top.
However, despite the xxx odd runs in international cricket, Dhoni would be remembered more for his captaincy than as a batsman.
The batter faded as the body grew older but the mind got wiser and as he walks away, India finally have someone to lead the way for years to come in Virat Kohli.
Dhoni the captain walked in at a very difficult time.
After the 2007 World Cup debacle in the Caribbean, something had to change in Indian cricket and the change was a young, long-haired Dhoni, who had little experience but great maturity to handle the pressure and deliver in crunch situations.
Winning the 2007 T20 World Cup and then going on to conquer Australia Down Under, Dhoni’s exploits in limited-overs cricket was making India a team to be feared and as Anil Kumble walked away, the onus fell on him and now he was the man for all the formats. INDIA TV
