Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The only thing you can predict about the man is his unpredictability.
On Saturday evening, 39-year-old Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from international cricket, ending over one year of suspense. Dhoni made the announcement on his official Instagram account with a video.
“Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” reads the caption with the video.
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Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired
MS Dhoni last featured for Team India during the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Since then, he took an extended sabbatical from the game, quelling further speculations among fans and media that we might have just seen the last of the great men in Indian colors.
Fans started to make assumptions on Dhoni’s absence from the set-up especially after the BCCI excluded his name from the central contract list earlier this year which turned to reality on August 15.
Fondly referred to as Captain Cool, Dhoni made his debut for India in 2004 and during the course of the next 15 years, went on to achieve almost everything that a cricketer can dream of.
The enigmatic, unflinching Ranchi-born cricketer led India to the T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 before going on to become the first-ever captain to win all the three ICC titles including the 50-over 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. Besides this, Dhoni also successfully lead India to the N0.1 Test ranking in 2009.
Dhoni’s last international match was against New Zealand in the semifinal of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup which India lost by 18 runs. He was run out in this match after a spectacular throw from Martin Guptill. Surprisingly, Dhoni was also run out in his first international match.
His retirement has filled social media with heartfelt messages. Here are some of the major reactions:
Sakshi Dhoni – MSD’s Wife
Sachin Tendulkar
Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020
Virat Kohli
Harsha Bhogle
A little tribute. In his style…..#MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/SNFQVtc2kK
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2020
Amul pays tribute to Dhoni
We wish all the best to M S Dhoni @msdhoni for the next innings in his life! pic.twitter.com/UvgGHYGPI5
— Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) August 15, 2020
Mithali Raj
The man who immortalised jersey no.7, whose sharp mind and a cool head earned him the tag of #CaptionCool , the man who fulfilled billion indian dreams by two World Cup trophies and who bid adieu in his inimitable style. Congratulations #MSDhoni on an outstanding career #Thala pic.twitter.com/3mpjVX268l
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 16, 2020
VVS Laxman
Seeing Dhoni’s journey from a small town boy into a match-winner and one of the most astute leaders the world has seen was remarkable. Thank you for the wonderful memories, Mahi. It was my privilege to play alongside you and I will always cherish the memories we shared together. pic.twitter.com/NgCUdR6aSN
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 15, 2020
Sonu Sood
Legends do not retire..❣️
It is the beginning of new innings. @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/wMIsUAdGta— sonu sood (@SonuSood) August 16, 2020
Riteish Deshmukh
No retirement from our hearts ♥️ #MSDhoni @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/SMRA15L00L
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 15, 2020
KFC
Always came through when it was crunch time. #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/7M7xB62fk7
— KFC India (@KFC_India) August 16, 2020
Parle-G
We like our Chai hot and our “Captain Cool”. You ended this game in style – like always; and we bid you farewell.
#ParleG #Dhoni #CaptainCool #MsDhoni #DhoniRetires #ThankYouDhoni #Cricket #Biscuit #Chai #Game pic.twitter.com/eIW9PLchBD— Parle-G (@officialparleg) August 15, 2020
Disney+ Hotstar
Finally, the bails can heave a sigh of relief.
We will miss you @msdhoni #MSDhoni #DhoniRetires pic.twitter.com/PyCEyLMPPS— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) August 16, 2020
Google India
We can try 🔍ing, but there isn’t going to be anyone like you @msdhoni.
— Google India (@GoogleIndia) August 16, 2020
You will be missed, Captain Cool.