India’s legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, through an Instagram post on Saturday, announced his retirement from international cricket.

“Thanks. Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs today, consider me as retired,” the Instagram post read.

Dhoni quit Test cricket in 2014 and has not played a limited-overs match for the Men in Blue since taking a break after the team’s semi-final exit at the 2019 World Cup.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, in his tribute, compared Dhoni with Pakistan’s Imran Khan in terms of leadership qualities.

“He was a great captain. Captain makes a huge difference. When you look at Pakistan cricket, who was the guy who made the biggest impact on Pakistan cricket. There were better bowlers and better batsmen than Imran Khan, but was there a better captain and that is the same thing with Dhoni as well. His leadership was what really made Dhoni this mega superstar,” said Manjrekar while talking to ESPNcricinfo.

As captain, Dhoni led India to the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup title in 2007 and he repeated the feat at the 50-overs World Cup on home soil in 2011.

The 39-year-old featured in 90 Tests, 350 One-day Internationals (ODIs) and 98 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for his country, while scoring 4876 runs, 10773 runs and 1617 runs, respectively, in each format.

“Former India captain Mr Mahendra Singh Dhoni has announced his retirement from international cricket. The boy from Ranchi, who made his ODI debut in 2004, changed the face of Indian cricket with his calm demeanour, sharp understanding of the game and astute leadership qualities,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, President, BCCI said: “It is the end of an era. What a player he has been for the country and world cricket. His leadership qualities have been something, which will be hard to match, especially in the shorter format of the game. His batting in one-day cricket in his early stages made the world stand up and notice his flair and sheer natural brilliance.”

“Every good thing comes to an end and this has been an absolutely brilliant one. He has set the standards for the wicketkeepers to come and make a mark for the country. He will finish with no regrets on the field. An outstanding career; I wish him the best in life,” he added.

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Soon after Dhoni announced his retirement, all-rounder Suresh Raina also brought the curtain down on his international career.

“It was nothing but lovely playing with you, MS Dhoni. With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India,” said Raina.

Raina was part of the triumphant Indian team during the 2011 ICC World Cup. He last played for India in July 2018.

The left-handed batsman accumulated 5615 runs in 226 ODIs for India at an average of 35.31. He has also represented India in 18 Test matches and 78 T20Is.

Glowing tributes pour in