AGENCY
New Delhi: From Michael Clarke to Rohit Sharma, the global cricket fraternity today woke up singing paeans to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hours after India’s most successful skipper sprang a surprise by stepping down from limited overs captaincy.
The 35-year-old Dhoni, under whom India had won two World Cups and a Champions Trophy title, stunned the fraternity yesterday night by relinquishing the captaincy, barely 11 days before the ODI series against England.
Australia’s former captain Clarke wrote on his twitter handle, “I think @msdhoni will go down as one of India’s most successful captains. He is a great man and still has a lot to offer to Indian cricket.
“It is now time for @imVkohli to captain all three forms in my opinion. He is a superstar and is ready for the challenge.”
Former England skipper Michel Vaughan described Dhoni as one of the greatest captains to have ever led a cricket team.
“Even one of the greatest captains of all time decides enough is enough … Well done @msdhoni on an incredible leadership term,” Vaughan said.
Pakistan’s dashing all-rounder Shahid Afridi praised Dhoni for shaping the Indian cricket team.
“Huge credit to #MSDhoni for shaping Indian team. Great captain and leader, big inspiration for cricketers around the world.”
Back home, the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma, who blossomed
under Dhoni’s leadership, waxed eloquence on their first India captain.