New Delhi:Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar led the world of cricket in paying tribtes to Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the 'Captain Cool' quit as skipper in limited overs games.
Not only Tendulkar and Gavaskar, themselves cricket legends, and Dhoni's colleagues and teammates, but former England and Austrtalian skippers Michel Vaughan and Michael Clarke lauded him as India;'s most successful captain.
Gavaskar told NDTV that if Dhoni had called it a day, he would have protested outside his house, and added that the World Cup winning captain is still a destroyer with the bat.
"If he had quit as a player, then I would have the been the first one outside his house, having a dharna, asking him to make a comeback. As a player, he is still a destroyer. He changes fortunes of the game in a single over. India needs him as a player very very badly. I am happy that he has decided to stay on as a player," Gavaskar said.
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"Virat would definitely use him at number four or five because having him further down the order doesn't make any sense. Yes, he is a finisher but he can play a big innings at four or five and still end up as a finisher," Gavaskar said.
"The wicketkeeping will be a lot easier because he will not be thinking about the bowling changes and field placements, which can sometimes distract you," Gavaskar added.
Dhoni's contemporaries Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma and other players also heaped praise on him.
Raina said: "India's most successful captain who translated his vision into reality. Inspired many to dream more, do more and become more. Salute!"
Mohammed Kaif said India were blessed to have a leader like Dhoni.
"Take a bow @msdhoni. To lead India for 9 years with such wonderful results, India were really blessed to have you as #Captain," Kaif tweeted.
Former India cricketer Madan Lal termed Dhoni's decision as brave.
"I appreciate the decision. Dhoni has done very well as a captain as he has won most of the tournaments like ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Asia Cup. Ha has also reached number one in the Test cricket. His record as captain is wonderful."
Australia's former captain Michael Clarke added Dhoni will go down as one of India's most successful captains.
"I think @msdhoni will go down as one of India's most successful captains. He is a great man and still has a lot to offer Indian cricket," Clarke wrote.