When one thinks of the most successful captain in the history of Indian cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's name appears in front of everyone's eyes. He was the golden captain of India, who led the team to T20 world cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy, in a span of just 6 years. When he stepped down as Indian captain, it was heartbreaking for the fans. But atleast they were happy to see their favourite skipper lead Chennai Super Kings in IPL. However, the happiness of the fans was short-lived, after they got to know that Dhoni stepped down as the captain of CSK.

Leaving a long legacy of trophies and titles, the man from Ranchi stepped down as the captain, for one last time in his career. Seeing Dhoni play in the IPL will definitely give everyone moments of joy, but it won't be as much as it was when he captained the side. And knowing this will definitely be painful for every cricket lover, who has always seen him lead the side. Because Dhoni is not just a captain, he is the brand which defines captaincy. He is an emotion for every Indian, which is irreplaceable.

It just seems lika a few days ago, when a young MS Dhoni with long hair took up the role of captain for the very first time. No one knew back in T20 World Cup 2007, that this man would go on to rewrite history. He became a captain out of nowhere, as the seniors decided to opt out of the inaugural edition of T20 world cup. Lot of former players and critics then questioned the decision of having a captain, who had never been in the leading role before. But thankfully, he was chosen to lead the side. And the captain by chance, then went on to be the captain who fancied India's chances in every tournament he led.

One truly has to have nerves of stell to be facing the bowl out in the very first match of their career, and Dhoni had those. The cool captain led a team of hot headed youngsters to write India's name as the champion of inaugural edition of T20 World Cup. The success story which started in 2007 brought many laurels to the nation. The Commonwealth Bank Series, the test team peaking newer heights, overseas success was all achieved under his regime. Even the God of cricket Sachin Tendulkar had to wait for 22 years, to have MS Dhoni as the captain to win his first ever world cup in 2011.

On one side, Men in Blue were pleased to have T20 world cup, 2011 ODI world cup, 2013 Champions trophy to their name under Dhoni's leadership. And on the other side, Chennai Super Kings were blessed to have Dhoni as the face of their franchise. Winning Dhoni after a hard fought battle in auction for inaugural edition of IPL, the franchise knew they already had the advantage of having the best leader. And rightly so, he made his team the joint most successful franchise with 5 IPL titles to their name. And more than the titles, was his legacy as a skipper, which gained them support at every place in the country they played at.

His captaincy was like the Midas touch, which turned everything he touched into gold. Old age players regained their confidence to play again under him. Players who were out of form for a longer time, got their purple patch of form back by playing under Dhoni. Youngsters, under his guidance went on to become the stars of future. Bowlers credited him for most of their success. The umpires looked up to him to check if their decision is right or incorrect. The DRS changed his name to Dhoni Review System. Wicket keeping changed it's course and speed as Dhoni entered into the world of cricket. And believe it or not, but cricket changed itself to accomodate this legend.

And hence, when today when the world got to know about his exit from captaincy, everyone was left distraught. And rightly so, because with MS Dhoni stepping down as a captain, a piece of fans heart has forever closed its doors. Boys turned into men watching Dhoni lead the side, and those men cried today as they saw their favourite skipper go away from the role which was inseparable for him. With Dhoni no more the captain, it is certainly is the end of cricket for many, and an end of era for everyone who watches the game. But his era will always rule the hearts of all the cricket fans, thanking him for the immense moments of joy he has given to them. We thank the boy from Ranchi for making our lives full of happiness, and wish him all the best for his new role.