Former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced retirement from international cricket on August 15 via an Instagram video that shocked the fans all over.
The Pakistan cricket community greeted MS Dhoni in a solitary voice, calling him one of the finest skippers that India ever produced. Dhoni led the Indian team to win the ICC World Cup, World T20 and Champions Trophy championships. He also became the first skipper to take India to number 1 spot in Test cricket rankings.
Pakistani devotees such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Basit Ali, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis Mudassar Nazar, Shahid Afridi and many others displayed huge respect for Dhoni. Inzamam, who won the most caps for Pakistan, said, “He is in my mind one of the greatest cricket captains India has produced. A true match-winner against whom I enjoyed playing against a lot.”
Rashid Latif felt that Dhoni’s heritage will reminisce forever in Indian cricket but at the same time, his departure means Virat Kohli now can produce his own bequest. “Fantastic player and captain. He had this knack for reading the game so accurately and using his players accordingly for every situation and he was the perfect match finisher. He used to read the situation so well and finish accordingly. The criticism against him after last year’s World Cup’s semi-final was unjustified as he tried his best in difficult circumstances.” Latif added.
Mudassar Nazar the Former Test opener for Pakistan said there was no uncertainty that Dhoni was one of the prodigious finishers the game has shaped. “I first saw him when I was coaching in Kenya. There was a triangular tournament in Nairobi and Dhoni scored back-to-back centuries. But even then, I never knew he would go on to leave such a big impact on Indian and world cricket,” Mudassar said.
Muhammad Yousuf himself a top batsman said that Dhoni’s skill to get runs as a skipper and wicketkeeper was bewildering. “He batted at different positions and he always delivered. I remember his innings in the 2011 World Cup final. It was a master stroke the way he promoted himself in the batting order and hit the winning six.” Yousuf said.
Basit Ali alleged that he had never seen a more adaptable player than Dhoni in his entire career. “Just look at his record for India and for Chennai Super Kings it is amazing. When he played for Pune in 2016 and 2017 his team played in the IPL final. Such was his impact on any team.” He added.
Former Test opener and chief selector, Mohsin Khan alleged that Dhoni’s utmost contribution was to lead teams that involved top senior players and also mentor and inspire new forthcoming players. “His balancing act was so impressive. The way he led the senior players, gave them respect and kept the calm in the dressing room. The way he picked and then backed so many young players who have eventually become world class performers for India including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.” Added Mohsin Khan.
Moin Khan, Former captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, too had special confrontations for Dhoni. “Personally, I find him to be a very exciting and class player who fits the description of an impact-player perfectly. He really came through for India and he deserves all credit for the way he set the example with his bowling, batting and fielding,” said Moin.
Flamboyant all-rounder, Shahid Afridi also applauded Dhoni in a tweet and wished him the best for the future. “One of the true legends of the game and one of the greatest captains,” Afridi wrote.
