It was M S Dhoni’s vision that led to Rohit Sharma becoming one among the best white-ball openers and therefore the senior batsman on Sunday paid a glowing tribute to his former captain, calling him “one of the foremost influential man within the history of Indian cricket”.
It proved to be a turning point in Rohit’s career when Dhoni, who led India to 2 World Cup titles, asked him to open during the 2013 Champions Trophy.
“One of the foremost influential man within the history of Indian cricket. His impact in & around cricket was massive. He was a person with vision and a master in knowing the way to build a team,” tweeted Rohit each day after Dhoni announced his retirement in an Instagram post.
“Will surely miss him in blue but we’ve him in yellow. See you on 19th at the toss,” added the opener, pertaining to the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings’ clash against his Mumbai Indians during this year’s IPL opener albeit the schedule isn’t yet out.
The defending champions usually combat the runners-up within the opener.
Rohit said he’s glad that the planet Cup-winning skipper will still play the IPL for a minimum of a few of years.
Such was Dhoni’s impact on his teammates that big-hitting all-rounder Suresh Raina, 33, also followed him into retirement on Saturday, leaving Rohit a touch shocked. Raina also plays for CSK within the IPL.
“Bit shocking but i assume you are feeling it once you feel it. Good career bro, have an excellent retirement, still remember the time once we came into the squad. Best wishes moving forward,” Rohit wrote in another post.