
Two-time World Cup-winning former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from international cricket on Saturday, ending over one year of suspense and also an era during which his often unorthodox leadership and finishing skills became the stuff of legends. “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929hrs consider me as retired,” Dhoni posted on his Instagram handle.
The announcement came a day after he joined his Chennai Super Kings teammates in Chennai ahead of this year’s IPL in the UAE. The 39-year-old’s last outing in India colours was during the lost World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
One of the best runners between the wickets was run out following a hard-earned 50 in that tense game, shattering Indian hopes and leaving him in a state of disbelief.
The reticent man from Ranchi will, however, go down as one of the finest to have played the game for India, turning up for the country in a whopping 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20 Internationals.
Here’s how the cricketing fraternity reacted on Dhoni’s retirement:
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
To have a player like him,Mission Impossible. Na Koi Hai,Na Koi Tha, Na Koi Hoga MS ke jaisa. Players will come & go but there won’t be a calmer man like him. Dhoni with his connect with people having aspirations was like a family member to many cricket lovers. Om Finishaya Namah pic.twitter.com/glemkBUwWT
Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2020
The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni
Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 15, 2020
The last leg of his career was, however, marred by a drop in form, prompting several critics to question his resolve to continue. But he nevertheless signs off as an ODI legend with 10,773 runs, averaging more than 50 despite batting between No.5 and 7 for a major chunk of his career.
In the Test format, Dhoni accumulated 4876 runs at an average of 38.09 and led India to more wins (27) than anyone else before him. However, runs are not the parameter on which Dhoni’s career can be truly judged.
Considered a punter by some and a master strategist by several others, it was Dhoni’s captaincy, wondrous reading of match situations, and the jaw-dropping hand-speed behind stumps that had the cricket world mesmerized.
Always Carefree…never careless. Understood the importance of ‘moments’ but never got overawed by them. Redefined wicket keeping….mastered the art of finishing. An end of an era. MSD, one of the finest the world has seen. Or will ever see. Go well 🙌🙏 #MSDhoni
Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2020
It was a privilege to have played with a friend and a cricketer who gave many laurels to our country on the cricketing field, very very greatly done on your career @msdhoni #dhoniretires pic.twitter.com/ksfbedyDnQ
Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2020
A leader even after he gave up the official tag of the leader, Dhoni will be remembered as the nonconformist, who made risks look like a well-thought-out strategy.
Whether it was handing the ball to rookie Joginder Sharma in the final over of the 2007 World T20 or pushing himself ahead of man-in-form Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 50-over World Cup, Dhoni’s instincts rarely failed him.
For the record, India lifted the trophy on both occasions, propelling him to cult status in a country that remains hopelessly in love with all things cricket.
The IPL was also his happy hunting ground where he was the revered ‘Thala’, leading the Chennai Super Kings to three trophies.