MS Dhoni is going to stay forever as any Indian captain won't be able to achieve three ICC trophies: Gautam Gambhir

India stalwart MS Dhoni, on Saturday, shocked the cricket fraternity by announcing his international announcement. The veteran revealed his decision on Instagram as he shared a video of his cricketing journey– from breaking into the national side, winning silverware, scripting memorable knocks and getting run out in his last international appearance.

The Ranchi stalwart had a disappointing end to his career as he didn’t steer India to the victory in the semi-final of 2019 World Cup. No one would’ve imagined that the run out would eventually turn out to be Dhoni’s last on-field moment at the biggest level.

After Dhoni’s announcement, social media was flooded with wishes for the India stalwart. Along with his batting and wicketkeeping skills, Dhoni was regarded as one of the finest skippers in the history of Indian cricket. Like Sourav Ganguly, Dhoni is also credited for reinforcing the Indian side, especially when it comes to lifting the silverware.

The ‘Captain Cool’ is the only captain in the history of the sport to have won three ICC trophies– T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2013) and Champions Trophy (2013). Many players paid tribute to Dhoni and thanked him for his contribution to Indian cricket. It was also under Dhoni’s leadership that India became the No. 1 Test side in 2009 and the team stayed at the top for over 600 days.

MS Dhoni’s record is going to stay forever: Gautam Gambhir

Former India international Gautam Gambhir, who had played a vital role in 2011 World Cup final along with Dhoni, heaped praise on the former skipper and highlighted his unprecedented feat of clinching three major ICC trophies.

Speaking on Dhoni’s illustrious career and achievements, Gambhir said on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected, “One record if you talk about, which is going to stay forever is MS Dhoni’s three ICC trophies. I don’t think so any other captain would ever be able to achieve that! I think, whether it the T20 World Cup, whether it is ICC Champions Trophy or 2011 World Cup.

I think that is something which is going to stay forever, and I can bet, that’s going to stay forever! I think 100s will eventually get broken, someone will come and probably score more double 100s than Rohit Sharma, but I don’t think so any Indian captain would be able to achieve three ICC trophies, so MS Dhoni’s going to be there to stay forever!”

Dhoni, who had last donned the India jersey in India’s 2019 World Cup oust, had kept mum over his international future. Amid his truancy from international cricket, Dhoni’s retirement rumours were constantly doing rounds on social media. Many had even predicted that Dhoni’s knock in the semi-final of 2019 World Cup was his last appearance for India.

The 39-year-old will now be seen donning the Chennai Super Kings jersey in the upcoming edition of the IPL, scheduled to be played in the UAE. Dhoni, who has steered the Chennai franchise to three IPL titles, will be hoping to add a fourth one under his belt this year.

Here’s the video:

"The record for a hundred 100s might get broken, someone can make a lot of ODI double hundreds but I don’t think any captain can emulate #MSDhoni & win (all) 3 ICC Trophies" – @GautamGambhir

Will this Dhoni record stay unbeaten forever? #ThankYouMSDhoni #CricketConnected pic.twitter.com/RDKa6QfRym

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 16, 2020