A limited-edition original

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will long be celebrated as the most successful limited-overs Indian captain, and the plaudits have only begun as the cricketer announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday.

And why not? He is the only Indian captain to have won three ICC trophies -- the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy -- and he did it with his immense leadership qualities and a calm approach that transformed the side into a formidable force.

But apart from his successful captaincy, Dhoni the cricketer has also set a new benchmark for wicketkeeper-batsmen around the world. Whether it was his unorthodox batting style or unique wicketkeeping skills, Dhoni was highly successful and inspired a lot of wicketkeeper-batsmen.

His astounding numbers in international cricket -- 17,266 runs, 16 centuries, 108 fifties, 359 sixes and 829 dismissals -- reflect his impact on the game.

Since making his international debut in 2004 against Bangladesh, Dhoni consistently caught the eyes for his great presence of mind, ability to read the situation and adapt quickly but calmly both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper.

Dhoni's style of cricket has encouraged many in the Bangladesh team, who learned and adapted such swift techniques.

According to Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Mithun, it was Dhoni who changed the style of wicketkeeping and has taken the craft to a different level.

"Dhoni is one of my favourite players and his ability to handle pressure and remain cool is outstanding. I like his captaincy a lot, his ability to take decisions and be spontaneous. I have never seen him panic and his ability to finish the game is something I try to follow in my game.

"But it's his wicketkeeping, which I think he has taken to the next level in world cricket. He completely changed it. Previously wicketkeepers used to take more time in collecting the ball and then drag it to the stumps, which is basic, but Dhoni changed it. His flexibility and reflex actually make everything quicker compared to what we used to follow previously," Mithun told The Daily Star.

Another wicketkeeper-batsman, Liton Das, said Dhoni's special technique and ability to remain calm is something the cricketer would want to learn and embody.

"His keeping technique is quite special and the way he does stumpings is extraordinary. Dhoni has actually changed the way of thinking as a wicketkeeper in his own way, which most keepers are not taught at a young age. But he backed his own technique and he is also a great batsman," said Liton.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan Sohan was fortunate to have a discussion with Dhoni in 2017.

"I had a chat with him two-three times and every time Dhoni told me that it's important to know your own strengths and focus on your strength. It was in 2017 when I asked him for some time and he spoke with me for around 15 minutes. Previously, us wicketkeepers used to follow Australian or English wicketkeepers and their basics but since Dhoni arrived he actually changed the entire way of thinking in keeping. If I talk about his footwork or ball collecting techniques those are actually very practical and handy. As a batsman or as a leader he was no doubt outstanding and we will miss him in international cricket," Nurul said.

Whether it was his ability to outfox batsmen while waiting for the return throw from fielders or removing the glove from one hand while keeping during the last stage of the innings so that he could more easily throw down the stumps to stop a stolen run, Dhoni had his own style and technique which sets him apart and encourages others to say, 'It's okay to be yourself'.