The news of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket caught his hometown by surprise on Tuesday, with many wishing the former ticket collector who rose to the pinnacle of the game had waited to play his farewell Test in Ranchi.
But most were of the opinion that retirement was a part of the game and a sportsperson had to take it in his or her stride.
Former Olympian Sylvanus Dung Dung said, “Announcing retirement is the most difficult task for a sportsperson. But Dhoni is the best judge of himself. He has been one of India’s best captains and has made us proud.”
On Tuesday morning most of the people contacted by HT were unaware of the Indian skipper’s decision.
Archer Deepika Kumari was taken aback when informed of Dhoni’s decision.
“We thought he would retire on his home-ground in Ranchi. I wish him luck for the upcoming 2015 World Cup,” said Kumari.
“No one can fill Dhoni’s shoes. He has been one of the greatest sporting stars of India,” said former Indian women's hockey team captain Sumrai Tete.
Many young cricketers were disappointed at Dhoni's announcement as they wanted to see him play at least one Test in Ranchi, which came close to becoming India’s 16th Test venue this year. Batting great Sachin Tendulkar had played his last Test at Wankhede stadium, his home ground in Mumbai, where he was given a rousing farewell.
{{/usCountry}}Many young cricketers were disappointed at Dhoni's announcement as they wanted to see him play at least one Test in Ranchi, which came close to becoming India’s 16th Test venue this year. Batting great Sachin Tendulkar had played his last Test at Wankhede stadium, his home ground in Mumbai, where he was given a rousing farewell.
{{/usCountry}}“I wanted to see my idol play a Test match in Jharkhand. Unfortunately I will never get the opportunity,” said Abhishek Kumar (16), a budding cricketer.
“I want to be like Dhoni. I’m sad he retired from Test but will see him in ODIs,” said Nabya Kumar (12), another upcoming cricketer.