Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020.
Ever since the wicketkeeper-batsman disclosed his decision through a social media post, he is garnering praises from all quarters for his services to the game.
A week later, former India pacer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji also paid tribute to Dhoni, saying the former India skipper’s uniqueness lies in his ability to "remain detached" despite constant scrutiny and speculations around his career.
WATCH: MS Dhoni clobbering huge sixes during CSK’s training camp
Moments after bidding adieu to the game, Dhoni walked up to Balaji, discussed a few things and left.
"After practice gets over, I normally talk a lot to Dhoni about the wicket, about practising and playing conditions. That day, I finished practice and I went inside. I did not realise that he had already put his retirement message at 7.29 pm.
"So, after posting the message, Dhoni walked up to me as usual and he casually told me that he had asked the groundsman to water the ground extra for the pitch. I said okay. And I didn't realise anything," Balaji said on Star Sports 1 Tamil show Cricket Connected - 'Aatam Thodarattum'.
The Dhoni-led CSK underwent a short camp here before flying to UAE for the upcoming IPL.
Balaji added, "It was a huge moment in his life. But, just like that he moved on, and that's Dhoni for you.
"Then I finally realised he announced his retirement. It took some time for me to sink in the moment. Dhoni's uniqueness is in the way he remains detached. He will never stop no matter what the situation is, and moves on in his own style."
According to Balaji, Dhoni has changed the perception of leadership among captains across the world.
"From the year 2000, according to me, there's nobody like Dhoni who's had such a massive influence on not just Indian cricket but world cricket.
"I've heard about brutal hitting, hard hitting that when someone hits the ball, it'll be difficult for a bowler or a fielder to even keep their hands on the ball. I saw that for the first time with Dhoni."
Balaji also pointed out that Dhoni's leadership and batting styles were totally different.
"Even now if there are 20-plus runs needed to win in the last over and if I had to pick someone, it would always be Dhoni. Such massive impact he has.
"His leadership and his batting styles are totally different. His leadership changed the perception of leadership among all captains.
"The way he maintains his emotion on field, maintaining the team environment and camaraderie, leading the team successfully, only MS Dhoni could do it," he said.