Tributes to Dhoni: 'Valiant while you led. Valiant in your departure'

Cricketers from across the world reacted with surprise and lavished praise on Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the India captain on Tuesday decided to call it quits in the Test format.

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Retired batting great, Sachin Tendulkar, also a long-time team mate, encouraged Dhoni to retain the ODI World Cup, to be played next year in Australia and New Zealand.

"well done on a wonderful career in test cricket @msdhoni. Always enjoyed playing together. Next target 2015 WC my friend!!," Tendulkar wrote on his twitter handle.

Another close teammate of Dhoni, Suresh Raina tweeted: "Valiant while you led. Valiant in your departure. #Respect @msdhoni"

Stating that Dhoni would be missed, India medium-pacer R Vinay Kumar wrote on his twitter account: "Congrats Dhoni bhai on your wonderful journey of test cricket.. You will be surely missed."

Spinner Pragyan Ojha also congratulated his captain on a "wonderful career".  "Congratulations Dhoni Bhai on a wonderful test career.@msdhoni #respect #CaptainCool."

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Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi said Dhoni left the cricketing fraternity completely baffled with his sudden decision.

"MSDhoni's retirement in midst of test series leaves lot of us perplexed! But that's his prerogative.I'd like 2 wish MSD Happy Retirement!!," Bedi tweeted.

Another former cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar said he was sad at the Dhoni's hasty decision to retire from Tests.

"Just feeling a bit sad about Dhoni's retirement from Test Cricket. Didn't see it coming at all," he said.

Former Pakistan Saqlain Mushtaq posted a photograph of his with the Indian skipper and said: "Well done @msdhoni on a wonderful career in test cricket."

Former India spin great Anil Kumble also congratulated Dhoni on a great Test career. "Chennai 2 G, Great career MSD @msdhoni retired as captain. Way 2 go! Well done buddy on a fantastic test inning! Good luck! @BCCI #AUSvIND."

Expressing his despair at the 33-year-old Indian cricketer's retirement, England bowler Stuart Broad wrote: "Done alot to promote the game of cricket in India, always sad seeing a good player retire."

Former England skipper, Michael Vaughan heaped praise on Dhoni for the way he played the game and wished the new captain, Virat Kohli all the best.

"Love the way @msdhoni plays the game ... But it's now the right time for @imVkohli to take the Indian Test team in a new direction.....," he said.