Who said what: World reacts to MS Dhoni-inspired Indian victory

Champion of champions

Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led India defeated South Africa by 22 runs in the second one-day international at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Dhoni’s match-saving unbeaten 92 runs ensured India won’t fall again in front of the mighty visitors.

The home team managed to post a competitive total of 247 runs in the first innings with the Dhoni’s captain knock. The inspired Indian bowlers followed the captain and kept the energy level up when they came to field.

Initially, the South African team looked dangerous as Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock gave a thrilling knock like always. But soon, everything started to fall for the Proteas, Axar Patel was brought early in the attack and he didn’t disappoint the captain as charging Amla was beaten by his off side delivery and Dhoni did the rest to stump the batsman.

The Holkar stadium was charged and so were the eleven Indian players in the field. Bowlers kept giving taking wickets in intervals and eventually they restricted the South African at 225 to level the five-match series by 1-1.

The cricket fraternity took to twitter and congratulated team India especially Dhoni for his special innings which came in the aftermath of all the criticism over his career.

South Africa’s Robin Peterson went ‘wow’ over Dhoni’s knock:

Take a bow MS Dhoni! Quality knock and proved critics wrong . Hard luck to the Proteas

— Robin John Peterson (@robbie13flair) October 14, 2015

Aakash Chopra:

Top quality catching...Dhoni, Kohli and now, Raina. Sounds clichéd but catches do win matches. #INDvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2015

'I want to bat at 4 but can't...coz I can't expect a youngster to do the tough job.' Dhoni has just nailed it with this comment. #Respect

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2015

Allan Donald:

@OfficialCSA @BCCI Well done India as Captain Dhoni leads the way with a fantastic knock today. Gonna be a close series this one!!

— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) October 14, 2015

Mihir Chandra:

Dhoni answers all his critics in fine style! #Indiawins #INDvSA

— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) October 14, 2015

Kris Srikkant:

Congrats Dhoni fr an outstanding performance under pressure.grt matchwinning effort when team in big trouble.SUPER STUFFð?? @ibnlive @BCCI

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) October 14, 2015

Sanjay Manjrekar:

Now we will see the Dhoni critics also say that 'Dhoni has silenced his critics'

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 14, 2015

VVS Laxman:

Congrats Team India on a remarkable victory.Loved the positive approach& fighting spirit shown by entire team 2 defend the total. #IndvsSA

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 14, 2015

Harsha Bhogle:

This will become part of the legend of Dhoni....

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 14, 2015

I've learnt over the years that you write off champions at your own peril.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 14, 2015

Still believe this is the best role for Dhoni. Batting at run a ball for the innings and then finishing. Not just going out and going wham..

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 14, 2015

Statistician Sarang Bhalerao:

99% of Indian fans On Sunday: MS Dhoni is past his prime On Wednesday: Dhoni is an all-time great - A true champion #IndvsSA

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 14, 2015

Irfan Pathan:

One of those wins. When u watch it u feel proud.well done boys. #India

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 14, 2015

RP Singh:

Indian bowlers do the job again, manage to snatch the match from SA. Excellent bowling by @BhuviOfficial . Well done!#INDvSA

— R P Singh (@RpSingh99) October 14, 2015

Anil Kumble:

Congrats team India. Well played. @msdhoni led from the front! Thrilling win! @BCCI

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 14, 2015

Tom Moody:

Classy knock from @msdhoni in adversity, India have something to defend now, but will miss @ashwinravi99 #IndvsSA

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) October 14, 2015

Azhar Mahmood:

Superb innings by @msdhoni ! Form is temporary but class is permanent. #legend #IndvsSA

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) October 14, 2015

Anjum Chopra:

Dhoni reminds all in style that class is permanent. #2ndODI #IndvsSA. Important knock #captain #performer @msdhoni @BCCI

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) October 14, 2015

Niall John O Brien:

This is wonderful from MSD. Getting his team to a challenging total from a awful position . #INDvSA

— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) October 14, 2015

Actor Anil Kapoor:

What a victorious match for #TeamIndia! Kudos to the man of the match @msdhoni! #IndvsSA

— AK (@AnilKapoor) October 14, 2015

Freddie:

Dhoni's innings takes on even greater magnitude with India winning. One of his very, very best. #IndvSA

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) October 14, 2015