'Really sad that my role model is retiring' - Mohammad Shahzad reacts after MS Dhoni announces international retirement

Former India skipper MS Dhoni, on Saturday, announced his retirement from international cricket. 39-year-old Dhoni made the confirmation through a video on Instagram, thanking his fans for their love and support.

Dhoni’s last international appearance turned out to be India’s semi-final defeat against New Zealand in 2019 World Cup. The veteran hadn’t donned the Indian jersey over a year and many had even predicted that Dhoni’s international career was over.

Post Dhoni’s announcement, fans flooded social media with tributes and wishes for the India stalwart. 39-year-old Dhoni’s fan-following isn’t limited to India and that was evident when tributes poured in for the World Cup-winning skipper from all parts of the globe.

I will definitely miss you in the field of cricket: Mohammad Shahzad

Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad, an ardent Dhoni fan, also expressed his grief over Dhoni’s retirement news. Shahzad, who considers Dhoni as his role model, said that the veteran’s services to India are unmatched. He even thanked ‘Mahi’ for giving him suggestions to improve.

“It’s really sad to hear that my favourite and role model MS Dhoni is retiring from cricket. His services to India cricket is unforgettable, I will definitely miss you in the field of cricket and your kind advises for my improvement @msdhoni miss you Mahi,” wrote Shahzad on Twitter.

It’s really sad to hear that my favorite and role model MS DOHNI is retiring from cricket . His services to india cricket is unforgettable, I will definitely miss you in the field of cricket and your kind advises for my improvement @msdhoni miss you Mahi🏏🐆🚁💔💔

— MS Shahzad (@MShahzad077) August 15, 2020

Shahzad had expressed his love for Dhoni on multiple occasions. Shahzad has even modelled his batting on that of the Indian stalwart and has even incorporated the famous helicopter shot in his armoury. Apart from Shahzad, many prominent faces of Indian cricket like Sachin Tendulkar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli thanked Dhoni for his contribution to Indian cricket.

Dhoni was given charge of a young Indian team to play the first-ever T20 World Cup in South Africa and he eventually went on to become one of the most successful Indian skippers. He also surpassed Sourav Ganguly as India’s most successful Test captain with by registered 22nd win.

Amassing 10,733 runs from 350 matches, Dhoni is fifth in the list of top run-scorers for India. The first four spots have been claimed by Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.