On This Day in 2020: MS Dhoni announced his international retirement and shook the cricketing world

MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Twitter)

MS Dhoni debuted for India back in December 2004 and gradually etched his name in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts with his decisive batting, immaculate wicketkeeping, and charismatic leadership qualities. After the 2019 World Cup semifinal, which India lost to New Zealand, MS Dhoni had not played international cricket for over a year and it seemed that it was only a matter of time before the talismanic cricketer would draw curtains on his illustrious career.

The nightmare became a reality for Dhoni fans as the former India captain posted an emotional video on Instagram on August 15, 2020, which was a slideshow of some iconic photos from his international career, announcing his retirement. Dhoni used the popular ‘Main pal do pal ka shayar hoon’ song from the 1976 movie ‘Kabhie Kabhie’ in the video which must have made the strongest of men emotional.

“Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” the prolific cricketer wrote In the caption.

Much to the relief of the fans, the inspiration MSD didn’t retire from the game as a whole and only called time on his international career. Dhoni went on to play in the Indian Premier League and still works his magic in the cash-rich tournament for Chennai Super Kings.

MS Dhoni’s illustrious international career

MS Dhoni helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2007 with a young team bereft of stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid. In 2011, Dhoni led the team that ended India’s 28-year drought of an ODI World Cup win. The Ranchi-born also helped India win the Champions Trophy in 2013.

As a batter, Dhoni has amassed 4876, 10773, and 1617 in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is, respectively. He also has 16 centuries and 108 half-centuries while playing for the ‘Men in Blue’. While Rishabh Pant has managed to be a suitable replacement for Dhoni in red-ball cricket, the Southpaw’s white-ball exploits still leave a lot to be desired.