New Delhi: The sporting fraternity to congratulated Mahendra Singh Dhoni on his glorious captaincy career with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar leading from the front, saying "it's a day to celebrate his successful career and respect the decision.
Dhoni, the country's most successful skipper, today sprang a major surprise by stepping down as India's limited overs captain, thereby bringing an abrupt end to his glorious leadership tenure.
The 35-year-old Dhoni under whom India had won two World Cups and a Champions Trophy title, stunned the cricket fraternity by relinquishing the captaincy barely 11 days before the ODI series against England.
"Congratulations to MSD on a wonderful career as a captain leading India to success in both T20 and ODI World Cups. I have seen him emerge from an aggressive player to a steady and decisive captain. It's a day to celebrate his successful captaincy and respect his decision. Wish MSD the very best as he continues entertaining us on the field with his exploits," Tendulkar wrote on his congratulatory message.
Dhoni's decision has now paved the way for Test captain Virat Kohli to take over the mantle of the limited overs team as well.
While expressing his desire to quit captaincy, Dhoni conveyed to the selection committee that he will be available for selection as a player for the three ODIs and as many T20s against England starting January 15.
Sacked BCCI president Anurag Thakur too congratulated Dhoni on his achievement as captain.
"I congratulate @msdhoni on an illustrious career as Capt who led #TeamIndia to memorable victories in T20WorldCup 2007 & 2011 @ICC WorldCup!," Thakur tweeted.
Another former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth tweeted: "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."
Dhoni’s former teammate Mohammad Kaif also hailed the Indian skipper.
Among other to congratulate Dhoni on his glorious captaincy tenure are ace shooter Gagan Narang, cricket expert Harsha Bhogle and actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who potrayed Dhoni's role in his biopic.
"3 ICC titles and some glorious highs. Captain @msdhoni thank you for the memories! Wish you finish on a sparkling note," Narang tweeted.
“Many memories, many emotions. But typical of a man who never hogged the limelight; even as captain of a world cup winning team,” wrote Bhogle on his twitter handle
Rajput added: "There is no one like you. You're the reason for millions of smiles. Take a bow my Captain.??"