Sachin Tendulkar hailed the "immense contribution" MS Dhoni has made to Indian cricket and described winning the Cricket World Cup alongside his former team-mate as the best moment of his life.
Modern-day great Dhoni posted on Instagram on Saturday to say "consider me retired", along with a video montage of his India appearances over the years, though he did not specify whether his announcement refers to all cricket or just the international arena.
India legend Tendulkar, who scored 15,921 Test runs and a further 18,426 in ODI cricket, led the tributes to Dhoni, who captained his country to World Cup glory on home soil nine years ago.
"Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni," Tendulkar posted on Twitter.
"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."
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
Fellow India great Virender Sehwag highlighted Dhoni's coolness under pressure as crucial to his longevity at the top of international cricket.
"To have a player like him, Mission Impossible…Players will come and go but there won't be a calmer man like him," Sehwag wrote.
"Dhoni with his connect (sic) with people having aspirations was like a family member to many cricket lovers."
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
Suresh Raina, 33, added his own tribute on Instagram, in a post in which he confirmed he too is stepping away from international cricket.
"It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781. With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India," he wrote.
India batsman Shikhar Dhawan added simply: "Captain. Leader. Legend. Thanks Mahi bhai for everything you have done for the country!"
Ravichandran Ashwin said the memories of his triumphs alongside Dhoni will forever stay with him.
He wrote: "The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country.
"The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni."
Dhoni, an explosive batsman and quality wicketkeeper, also won the World Twenty20 in 2007 and helped his team ascend to the top of the Test rankings.
He last played for his country in the July 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand at Old Trafford.
