World Cup winning skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stood down as captain of India’s limited overs side ahead of this month’s one-day and Twenty20 internationals against England, the cricket board announced Wednesday.
“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,” said a statement.
Dhoni, who has already retired from Tests, will still be available for selection against England.
The move has sent the fans and cricket community into delirium.
Look at the sheer numbers Dhoni posted as India’s captain.
MS Dhoni as captain…
60 in Tests (6th most!)199 in ODIs (3rd most!)72 in T20Is (most!)331 in all internationals (most!)— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2017
MS Dhoni as Indian captain…..🙏 pic.twitter.com/BY7UVbPyh3
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2017
MS Dhoni played 331 International matches as Captain which is most by anyone in Cricket history…
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) January 4, 2017
The cricket community was full of praise for Captain Cool.
Sign of a true leader is to know when to pass the baton!Thank u for the entertainment skipper u r an #Inspiration @msdhoni #livinglegend pic.twitter.com/H51ChX3yhc
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) January 4, 2017
Time to stand up and applaud a magnificent servant, and indeed leader, of Indian cricket. #Dhoni
— 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
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
And for the fans, there was shock, amazement but most took the time to recall what a leader Dhoni has been for India.
Somebody please tell me this is just a bad dream ! Please !😶#Dhoni !!!😨
He was, he is & he will …,be always my #Captain 💯#MSDhoni 💙7️⃣— Shaun Shadrak (@shauntweets7) January 4, 2017
Most T20I wins as Captain: Dhoni
2nd Most ODI wins as Captain: DhoniSums up the legacy of this man’s leadership he left nothing to achieve— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) January 4, 2017
There is no one like you.
You’re the reason for millions of smiles.Take a bow my Captain.🙏@msdhoni #dhoni pic.twitter.com/NLRtTlcPhq— Sushant Singh Rajput (@itsSSR) January 4, 2017
#Dhoni steps down as captain.
India: pic.twitter.com/XluVa0ONPX
— The Viral Fever (@TheViralFever) January 4, 2017
Still the best keeper-batsman any team can have, not just India. #Dhoni
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) January 4, 2017
Thanks for the memories @msdhoni … play freely now. You have earned it!
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) January 4, 2017
Thnk u @msdhoni 4 making us feel euphoric & proud all these yrs. It was not only winnings but u also defined #Attitude for Indian Cricket.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 4, 2017
Thanks for the memories, Captain Dhoni. May there be more to come under Virat Kohli!
