The 35-year-old will, however, still be available for selection for upcoming limited-overs clashes against England, the BCCI has confirmed.
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Here’s the best of the reaction on Twitter so far to Dhoni’s decision to relinquish the captaincy:
NEWS ALERT - Mahendra Singh #Dhoni steps down as #Captain of #TeamIndia. He will be available for selection for ODIs & T20Is vs England pic.twitter.com/2xM0eisdjq
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 4, 2017
Right decision given @imVkohli's progress in the past 18-20 months. To Dhoni's credit he's shown once again of not hankering after power...
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 4, 2017
#thankyoudhoni you leave a great legacy as perhaps the best one day captain of India ever. Respect Dhoni for that. And good decision.
— Anuj Singhal (@_anujsinghal) January 4, 2017
Most matches as ODI captain
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2017
230 - Ricky Ponting
218 - Stephen Fleming
199 - MS Dhoni
Time to stand up and applaud a magnificent servant, and indeed leader, of Indian cricket. #Dhoni
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2017
This is not breaking... this is heart breaking! :( #MSDStepsDown pic.twitter.com/rfBtXGqkmb
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 4, 2017
Most internationals (all-formats) as wicketkeeper-captain:
— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) January 4, 2017
Dhoni 331
Mushfiqur 76
Sangakkara 67
I think that record is safe for a fair while
Will miss the sight of Dhoni keeping pen in his pocket after signing the match ball.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 4, 2017
As captain, MS #Dhoni led India to three @ICC titles:
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 4, 2017
2007 World Twenty20
2011 World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy pic.twitter.com/XoFHUR2tZF
Any aMOUNT of Words will be less to describe his legacy as the captain of Indian team @BCCI Mahi @msdhoni incredibly well done #Dhoni
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2017
@msdhoni There are no mountains high enough to stop you from climbing.Proud of you !! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
— Sakshi Singh 🇮🇳❤️ (@SaakshiSRawat) January 4, 2017