Tendulkar, Ponting lead tributes for Dhoni

Melbourne, Dec 30 (IANS) Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's shock retirement from Test cricket prompted widespread reactions on social media, with tributes flooding in from all corners of the globe, including from legendary Sachin Tendulkar and inspirational Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman played 90 Tests for India, 60 as captain with 27 wins -- the most by any Indian skipper.

Tendulkar congratulated Dhoni on a wonderful career and also urged him to help India defend the World Cup title.

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

Reacting to Dhoni's retirement from Test cricket, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting praised Dhoni for his competitiveness and also said Indian cricket owed a lot to him.

"A great competitor, and someone who I think Indian cricket owes a lot to," former Australian captain Ponting wrote on Twitter.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that Indian Test team needed a new leader.

"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," Vaughan tweeted.

Former Sri Lankan batsman Russel Arnold said that the Indian team will be starting the New Year under a fresh captain.

"New era for India starting in the New Year... Full of surprises MSD but the right decision. Well Done MSD !!," Arnold said.

Indian legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi was taken by surprise following Dhoni's decision to quit in the middle of the ongoing Test series.

"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 wrote on Twitter.

Dhoni's teammate Suresh Raina put up a picture on his Twitter account and said: "Valiant while you led. Valiant in your departure. #Respect @msdhoni."