The world of cricket has witnessed countless legends, but every now and then, there emerges a player who not only captivates you in the moment but also leaves an indelible mark on your soul.
They call him Captain Cool, arguably the finest captain in the realm of world cricket, and for fans, there's none quite like India's beloved MS Dhoni.
As this maestro, who guided Team India to the zenith of world cricket prepares for his final leg on the cricket field, let's journey through what some of cricket's absolute icons said about him.
Gary Kirsten, the coach who led us to World Cup glory in 2011, shed light on the essence of Dhoni within Team India. He had said, "I would go to war with Dhoni by my side."
Class recognises class! Kapil Dev, the man who bestowed upon India its first Cricket World Cup title against all odds, acknowledged Dhoni's greatness, declaring, "Dhoni is my hero. We talk a lot about Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, but this boy has as much talent as anyone in the game."
It wasn't just Indians who held him dear. MS Dhoni, renowned as one of the finest finishers in the world, blessed us with awe-inspiring match-winning moments throughout the years. Ian Bishop captured his prowess, saying, "If 15 runs are needed off the last over, pressure is on the bowler, not on MS Dhoni."
Rahul Dravid, who had the privilege of playing alongside MS and observing Captain Cool's leadership up close, applauded his exemplary style, stating, "He is a great leader by example. Someone whom I have always admired for his ability to remain balanced and possess a sense of equanimity about his captaincy."
When the 'God' of cricket speaks, the world listens. Sachin Tendulkar clinched his only World Cup title under Dhoni's astute captaincy in 2011, acknowledging, "Dhoni is the best captain I have played under."
Our beloved Dada, Sourav Ganguly, one of India's finest captains, credited MSD where it was due, affirming, "Dhoni is the greatest captain of our country. His record is proof of that."
And finally, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar shared a sentiment that must have stirred every Indian's heart at least once in their lifetime, saying, "When I die, the last thing I want to see is the six that Dhoni hit in the 2011 World Cup final."
It's Dhoni's humble demeanour on and off the field that has endeared him to every Indian heart over the years. Whether he plays another season or not, MS Dhoni will forever epitomise the art of finishing in style for us, igniting a nostalgic flame that will forever burn bright.