One of the most loved and scrutinised cricketers to have ever been born in India - Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the perfect story for every small town boy/girl who wants to make it big in life. Hailing from the cricketing backwaters - Jharkhand, Dhoni is unarguably the second most popular player in the cricket frenzy nation after 'God' Sachin Tendulkar. Going by the statistics, Dhoni is India's most successful captain and under his leadership, India have won the top prize in all formats of the gentlemen's game - the inaugural World Twenty20 on his captaincy debut in 2007, No.1 Test ranking for 18 months starting December 2009, and the 50-over World Cup in 2011 in Mumbai. He is also the first captain in the world to win three different ICC trophies. Dhoni also led India to a memorable 2013 Champions Trophy triumph in England. During his now more than 14-years long international career, Dhoni has played an integral part in many of India's famous victories. For his impressive match-winning skills, the veteran batsman has also been christened with the tag of 'one of the best finishers in the sport', especially in the limited-overs format. However, with age catching up - Dhoni's batting abilities are on the wane but his electric reflexes and impeccable instincts behind the stumps still make him an indispensable asset to Team India. With the countdown of the 2019 ICC World Cup already started, India still needs the services of one of its biggest stalwarts who is responsible for taking the team to insurmountable heights.
Read MoreIn a compilation video released by the BCCI on Monday, Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul among others are paying tribute to former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
Kohli's video, his third tribute to the legendary Indian captain and wicketkeeper, came a day after Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket
From making light of speculated rifts in the team, to his disdain for technology without "warranty" in the game, to the hows and whys of strategies working out, and sometimes not working out, humour was like his trusted ally.
In a nearly minute-long video posted on the BCCI's official Twitter handle, Kohli said Dhoni's retirement is that rare moment in his life when he doesn't have enough words to express his thoughts.
Pandey saw the retirement announcement coming after this year's T20 World Cup, which was postponed to 2022 last month, but only Dhoni knew that it would come on Independence Day.
Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday evening. A terse post on his Instagram page read, 'consider me retired'.
Nayan Mongia, MSK Prasad and Deep Dasgupta agreed in unison that at present it will be a two-horse race between Rahul and Pant with Sanu Samson adding a third dimension
Soon after Dhoni's announcement on Saturday, Raina too retired from international duty after being out of the side for quite some time.
Dhoni was a symbol of calmness on the field, someone who had it all figured out in his head even in the tensest of situations. But there were times when he let emotions get the better of him.
Dhoni quit international cricket on Saturday, thus drawing curtains on an illustrious, trophy-laden career.
The 39-year old is the only captain to win all three ICC trophies - the 50-over World Cup, the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy - and he also took India to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
Australia talisman Steve Smith, who played alongside Dhoni in Indian Premier League for Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016 and 2017, posted a heartfelt note for the former India captain on Instagram.
Indian women's ODI team captain Mithali Raj also said that Dhoni has immortalised the no.7 jersey.
It proved to be a turning point in Rohit's career when Dhoni, who led India to two World Cup titles, asked him to open during the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Shastri offered his take on the impact made by the two-time World Cup-winner in his trademark tongue-in-cheek style.
Under Dhoni's leadership, India went on to win the 2011 World Cup, which was also Tendulkar's first triumph in the mega tournament.
MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina are affectionately called 'Jai and Veeru' from the 'Sholay' fame, not just because of their partnership on the field, but also for the strong friendship the two have developed off the field.
England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, who considered Dhoni as his hero, posted an emotional message for the former India captain on his retirement.
Dhoni has announced his retirement from international cricket. However, he has not retired from professional cricket and is set to lead the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL this year in the UAE.
Sakshi Singh Dhoni penned down an emotional letter on the social media platform for her husband MS.
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