It's a day to celebrate MSD's successful captaincy, respect his decision: Tendulkar

Calling all to respect M.S. Dhoni's decision to step down as the captain of the Indian cricket team, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar congratulated the former skipper on a glorious career that lead the team to win both T20 and ODI world cups.

"Congratulations to MSD on a wonderful career as a captain leading India to success in both T20 and ODI World Cups. Have seen him emerge from an aggressive player to a steady and decisive captain," Tendulkar said in a message.

"It's a day to celebrate his successful captaincy and respect his decision. Wish MSD the very best as he continues entertaining us on the field with his exploits," the message added.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced Dhoni's decision in a press release.

"Dhoni has informed the BCCI, that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from the One Day Internationals and the T20 Internationals formats of the game," a BCCI press release said.

The 35-year-old, however, will remain available for selection for the upcoming ODI and T20 series against England and the same has been conveyed to the Senior Selection Committee.

Dhoni has achieved unprecedented success as a limited-overs captain, guiding India to glory in the World T20 in 2007, the ICC World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy 2013.

Although he relinquished Test captaincy and retired from the longest form of the game in 2014, he continued to lead the side in limited overs.

Dhoni, who currently holds the record for most matches as captain of an international side with 331 games across formats, played his last series as captain against New Zealand at home, where he led the Indian side to a 3-2 series win.

India is slated to play three-match ODI series and three-match T20 series beginning January 15 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium.