Twitter goes crazy with #DhoniRetires, gives MS Dhoni emotional farewell as he retires from Test cricket

Following the draw in the third Test against Australia, Indian captain MS Dhoni has retired from Test cricket with immediate effect. 

The announcement comes as a surprise, so it was natural that Twitter would be speaking about Dhoni. #DhoniRetires has been trending at No 1 in India. Here are some of the tweets:

Gautam Bhimani fires the first salvo, and he is funny as always:

What a helicopter shot is to batting, this manner of farewell is to retiring. #DhoniRetires — Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) December 30, 2014

He had decided on the 1st of Jan to retire in 2014. Naturally left it till the end! 1 ball, sorry 1 day to go. #DhoniRetires — Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) December 30, 2014

Mushtaq Sheikh underlines the understated nature of MS Dhoni in this tweet:

No conspiracy theories. No smart lines. No witty ones. Just a big thank u for the cricket! Well played. #DhoniRetiresFromTest #DhoniRetires — Mushtaq Shiekh (@shiekhspear) December 30, 2014

This person even changed his Twitter handle for Dhoni:

I would always support India. Bt truth is that all my interest to watch the longest version of cricket has vanished. #dhoniretires — Thank You Dhoni (@ItsSri07) December 30, 2014

Dhawal Patel is distraught:

#Dhoniretires ? Why he is such a strong player and not even lil bit old — Dhawal Patel (@Dhawal_kumar) December 30, 2014

Here's the first intellectual:

#DhoniRetires. Accolades where deserved. Thanks for making almost the right decision. Retiring from Test Captaincy is right, from test isn't — Piyush Todi (@piyushtodi) December 30, 2014

Right, sir. But did everyone know?

The man who cheerfully ran to give Sourav, Sachin and many others theirs walk of honour unfortunately didn't get one himself! #DhoniRetires — Dharav Sheth (@dharav_18) December 30, 2014

Here's a very succinct opinion:

MSD -Thanks and regret overseas record would have been better if we had good fast bowlers and consistency in batting.#DhoniRetires — Sanjay - SST (@SanjaySTank) December 30, 2014

But many people are getting really, really emotional. To Dhoni's credit he ensured the Test match was saved:

Am happy that i have watched ur Full innings Today From 1st ball to last ball.. #Tears :( #DhoniRetires — ?ezha?endan (@vezha_vendan) December 30, 2014

Jessica Sharma is not happy that Virat Kohli will be captain:

#DhoniRetires & leaves the test team w/ a young, arrogant brat for a captain. I may not know a lot about cricket, but know this is bad news. — Jessica Sharma (@JessApostrophe) December 30, 2014

Kavya is another concerned fan:

#DhoniRetires shocked and worried about Indian's future!!!

— kavya nair (@kavya2503) December 30, 2014

Here's a tribute to 'Captain Cool':

I think these words from Gary Kirsten just sum up Mahendra Singh Dhoni, "I would go to war with Dhoni by my side" #DhoniRetires — Karan Patel (@KaranThePatel) December 30, 2014

Sundar is short and to the point, no lengthy outbursts:

MSD Thanks for the entertainment #DhoniRetires — subrammanya sundar (@subrammanya) December 30, 2014

Even those who are not fans of Indian cricket are now praising Dhoni:

I've never been a Fan of indian cricket,But Loved this guy.One of the Greatest Captain & Finisher in Modern Cricket #DhoniRetires #Respect — Fakhrul Munna (@muns_martin) December 30, 2014

Will people heed the advice of Mr 'Sensible'?

If you really love Dhoni - cancel your New years plans .. #DhoniRetires .. spend 31st night watching reruns of the greatest matches played.. — Sensei Sensible (@sensei_sensible) December 30, 2014

 

The reactions from cricket fans continue to pour out on social media, and can only be described in one word: Pandemonium. While common people left no stone unturned to give Dhoni a farewell on social media, prominent cricketers and experts also expressed their gratitude to Dhoni:

Sachin Tendulkar:

well done on a wonderful career in test cricket @msdhoni. Always enjoyed playing together. Next target 2015 WC my friend!! — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 30, 2014

Anil Kumble:

Chennai 2 G, Great career MSD @msdhoni retired as captain. Way 2 go! Well done buddy on a fantastic test inning! Good luck! @BCCI #AUSvIND — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 30, 2014

Harsha Bhogle not only hailed Dhoni, but also hit out at his critics. However, he too was taken aback:

Wonder what happened there? #Dhoni — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2014

I had a feeling that when he chise to go, it would be sudden. But not quite as sudden as this. #Dhoni — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2014

MS Dhoni showed India what a tough man from a small town could dream and achieve. He has been a role model. Respect. #DhoniRetires — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2014

My feeling that if the series was alive, Dhoni wouldn't have retired. But now that it isn't maybe thought no point in dragging his body more — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2014

I am appalled at the attempts at searching for a conspiracy in Dhoni's retirement. Some days at least we should rise above this. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2014

If Dhoni says that the strain of playing all forms is telling on him, we should accept and say "thank you" #DhoniRetires — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2014

What can be Dhoni's estimate as a captain and player? There is no doubt that he was (and still is) a terrific ODI batsman. But what about Test cricket? Critics will say he was never such a good Test batsmen, and that he lost an extraordinarily high number of Test matches abroad, reversing India's era of competitiveness outside the subcontinent during the 2000s. But it can never be denied that he took India to No 1 in the ICC Test rankings for the first time. That achievement will always remain with him and can never be taken away.