Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional tribute to Dhoni will leave you teary-eyed

The retirement of MS Dhoni signals the end of a golden era during which the Indian team went from being contenders to becoming World Champions. One of the greatest wicketkeepers of all time, a stellar leader and a power-finisher. Throughout his career, Dhoni matched shoulders with some of the best players in cricket history. One of them was Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, with whom he guided Team India to deserving World Cup win in 2011.

As the legendary cricketer called time on his glittering career, wishes and tributes poured in from all corners of the cricketing fraternity.

Tendulkar penned down a special tribute for India’s ultimate Captain Cool in The Indian Express.

“I hadn’t heard about him (MS Dhoni) until he got into the Indian team. I saw him for the first time in Bangladesh during a one-day tournament. I was having a discussion with Sourav (Ganguly) and told him that this guy has something special in him and has the ability to hit the ball. However, hitting the ball at first-class cricket level and hitting it at the international level are two different things,” Tendulkar wrote.

He has the ‘jhatka’

Tendulkar added that he was in awe of Dhoni’s big-hitting capabilities and told then captain Sourav Ganguly about it. Since the Ranchi lad was new to the team, people assumed he was quiet and rude. But Tendulkar said he understood Dhoni’s behaviour, considering those were his early days.

“He had hit two boundaries in that match, and I told Sourav, “Dada, he has that jhatka (whip) in his hand which he uses while hitting the ball. It was something special to see.”

“It was his first outing with the Indian team. But the way he was hitting the ball, one could make out he was someone special.

“He has been quiet with me all throughout. I had heard many stories that he will not come and say hello. Many found him rude, but we broke that barrier. His behaviour was understandable. It happens when a player is new in the team, and takes some time to open up,” he added.

‘Symbol of hope’

From the long-haired power-hitter to India’s Mister Dependable, Dhoni’s journey of transition was witnessed by many from close quarters, especially the Master Blaster. Both Dhoni and Tendulkar have gone through the highs of success (2011 World Cup) and the lows of an embarrassing exit (2007 World Cup) together.

“For me, MS gave hope and showed nothing is impossible. He was talented and talent is something that will find its way. If somebody is talented, nobody can stop him.

“The one quality I liked about him was his calmness. It’s something that helped him be so successful.

“It has been a fantastic journey, he had come from a small place and played 15 years for India. I wish him all the best after a fantastic career. I enjoyed all his innings, and to single out one innings will be hard for me,” he stated.

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Lastly, Tendulkar congratulated Dhoni for what was a fantastic career full of decorated achievements.

“Whatever is going on in his mind and what he thinks about his body, only he knows. He knows it better than anybody else. I would much rather look at his contribution to Indian cricket, it has been immense. He has given joy to so many people around the globe and inspired so many youngsters to play this sport.”

“I would like to congratulate him on a fantastic career. I enjoyed playing with him,” he concluded.