End of an Era: Tributes pour in for the iconic duo of Dhoni-Raina

On the evening of August 15 – India’s Independence Day, the entire nation was enveloped in patriotic fervour. But the day wasn’t done yet. On late Saturday evening, in typical style, Captain Cool MS Dhoni bid adieu to a defining international career. No hullabaloo, no larger-than-life shenanigans. Just a simple ‘thanks’ and he’s done.

 

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Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired

A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT

As soon as the news of his retirement spread, the entire social media went into a frenzy. Something cricket fans had long expected had finally happened, yet it was unbelievable at so many levels. Not just fans of Dhoni, but teammates, opponents and literally everyone connected to the sport were in for a surprise.

All they wanted to see was one final glimpse of their beloved ‘Mahi’, a deserving farewell for India’s World Cup-winning captain. The man who brought glory and laurels to the country on the back of his shrewd leadership and astute match awareness. It’s not the Decision Review System, they said. It’s the ‘Dhoni Review System’.

And just as the thought of never seeing MSD in blues was sinking in, another shock announcement followed. Suresh Raina, Dhoni’s comrade and a dear friend, followed the legendary captain’s footsteps. It was like ‘killing two birds with one stone’, quite literally. Soon, social media platforms were taken over by emotional tributes for the iconic duo of Dhoni and Raina – partners on the field and off it.

Sakshi’s emotional post

 

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You should be proud of what you have achieved. Congratulations on giving your best to the game. I am proud of your accomplishments and the person you are! I am sure you must have held those tears to say goodbye to your passion. Wishing you health, happiness and wonderful things ahead! #thankyoumsd #proud “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

A post shared by Sakshi Singh Dhoni (@sakshisingh_r) on Aug 15, 2020 at 10:51am PDT

The Master Blaster speaks

Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020

Congratulations, Suresh on a wonderful career playing ? for India.

Still remember our partnership & on-field conversations during your debut Test!

Wish you all the very best for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/kyhczi2juE

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020

Virat Kohli has just the right words

but the mutual respect and warmth I’ve received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I’ve seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you ??? @msdhoni

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020

Rohit Sharma sees the brighter (yellow) side – so do we, honestly!

One of the most influential man in the history of Indian cricket?His impact in & around cricket was massive. He was a man with vision and a master in knowing how to build a team. Will surely miss him in blue but we have him in yellow.

See you on 19th at the toss @msdhoni ?? pic.twitter.com/kR0Lt1QdhG

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 16, 2020

Bit shocking but I guess you feel it when you feel it. Good career bro, have a great retirement, still remember the time when we came into the squad ? best wishes moving forward @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/63nmPkuiMM

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 16, 2020

Ajinkya is thankful

Thanks for everything Mahi Bhai…you will always be special for me, have learnt so much from you! Always wishing you the best! pic.twitter.com/4MFQvHbAzN

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 15, 2020

The student thanks his teacher

There’s only one #MSDhoni. Thank you my friend and elder brother for being the biggest inspiration in my career. Will miss playing with you in the blue jersey but am sure you will always be there for me and will keep guiding me ???? #7 pic.twitter.com/Q3j9pbcOGy

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 15, 2020

Virender Sehwag being himself

To have a player like him,Mission Impossible. Na Koi Hai,Na Koi Tha, Na Koi Hoga MS ke jaisa. Players will come & go but there won’t be a calmer man like him. Dhoni with his connect with people having aspirations was like a family member to many cricket lovers. Om Finishaya Namah pic.twitter.com/glemkBUwWT

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2020

The Indian Women’s Captain shares a few words

The man who immortalised jersey no.7, whose sharp mind and a cool head earned him the tag of #CaptionCool , the man who fulfilled billion indian dreams by two World Cup trophies and who bid adieu in his inimitable style. Congratulations #MSDhoni on an outstanding career #Thala pic.twitter.com/3mpjVX268l

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 16, 2020

Nothing but respect from Australian cricketers

 

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Congrats @mahi7781 on a fantastic career, he is one of the coolest guys I’ve played against on the park. #greatknock #calm #finisher

A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31) on Aug 15, 2020 at 4:16pm PDT

Congrats #MSDhoni on an amazing international career. You should be so incredibly proud of what you achieved on the field as a player and as one of the great leaders. You were always a tough opponent to play against and now playing with you for @ChennaiIPL has been a real treat. pic.twitter.com/dQEaIWfyFl

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) August 16, 2020