India batsman KL Rahul said he was left shocked and heartbroken after MS Dhoni announced his retirement for international cricket on August 15. The former Indian captain’s Instagram post broke the internet as tributes started pouring in for Dhoni from all corners. It was expected that Dhoni would soon part ways with Team India but the manner in which he announced his decision and the timing came as a shock to many.
It was quite shocking. I was honestly heartbroken. I’m sure all of us in the team or whoever has played under him and with him would have wanted to give him a big send-off and wanted him to play one more time so we could have had that opportunity to do something special for him. It is what it is,” Rahul was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Rahul lauded Dhoni for being an exceptional leader for Team India and praised him for always allowing the player to be themselves on the pitch. He explained how Dhoni was a mentor figure in the team and was always there to guide a youngster when he needed help.
“He has been someone who has guided us all really, really well. And who has never expected us to change who we are. He has let us go out there and express ourselves and make our mistakes and learn from them. He has just let us be. If we were ever in doubt, or if we wanted to look to somebody for answers, he was always there. He knew when to push the players,” said Rahul.
The stylish right-hander, who is one of the leading contenders to replace Dhoni as India’s wicket-keeper in white-ball cricket after his recent heroics, said he was short of words to write for the India legend after he announced his retirement last week. Rahul added that Dhoni has always been a role model for him as captain.
