Politicos laud MS Dhoni for his contribution to Indian cricket

Putting an end on all speculations, two-time World Cup-winning former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from international cricket on Saturday. In a virtual standing ovation, leaders from across political spectrum united to bid adieu to one of India’s finest players and took to Twitter to thank him for the magic woven in the history of Indian cricket.

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday thanked former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his unparalleled contributions to the Indian cricket and hoped that he will continue to contribute in strengthening the game.

Shah also said that with Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, the world will miss his helicopter shots.

"I join millions of cricket fans across the globe to thank @msdhoni for his unparalleled contributions to Indian Cricket. His cool temperament has turned several hot encounters in India's favour. Under his captaincy India has crowned World Champions twice in different formats," he tweeted.

The home minister said Dhoni has mesmerised millions through his unique style of cricket.

Taking to Twitter after hearing the news of his retirement, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni a symbol of courage for crores of youths coming from small towns.

Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked Dhoni for giving Indians countless opportunities to be proud.

Rajya Sabha member and BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, a cricket enthusiast and former chairman of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, called himself a Dhoni fan.

Lauding Dhoni's contribution to the sport, NCP chief and a former BCCI president Sharad Pawar said, "I have had a long association with the game of Cricket and in appointing M S Dhoni as captain we were sure he would be one of India's most successful captains."

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar extended best wishes to the cricketer.

"One of India's finest Wicket-keeper-Batsman & Captain, M.S. Dhoni has announced retirement from International Cricket. All the best for his future! #MSDhoni," Pawar tweeted.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor called Dhoni India’s finest wicketkeeper-batsman and a transformative captain who left a stamp on Indian cricket that defined an era.

Dhoni, the two-time World Cup-winning former India captain, retired from international cricket on Saturday.

With inputs from PTI