OTD in 2020: The Independence Day on 15th August 2020 was quite different from all the other being celebrated before or after it. The citizens of this country were forced to stay inside their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All the streets were empty, but the spirit of patriotism was still, and everyone was hoping the pandemic would be over soon.
During the evening that day, something very unexpected happened. MS Dhoni, who is considered one of the least active sportspersons on social media, took to his official Instagram account and shared a heartbreaking post. The ex-India skipper had announced his retirement from the sport. He had shared a collage of pictures of himself on the field, and there was an old Bollywood song playing in the background, and he had written the caption of the post as, “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs, consider me as Retired."
The fact that a cricketer, who helped India win two World Cup titles along with the Test mace and also changed the approach of wicketkeeping, would retire from cricket so soon. The Indian fans were left heartbroken. And just when they were trying to accept Dhonis' retirement, another retirement left them stunned.
It was none other than India's star all-rounder Suresh Raina, who is one of the closest friend of MS Dhoni's closest friends, who announced his retirement from all kinds of cricket that day.
“It was nothing but lovely playing with you, MS Dhoni. With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you, India. Jai Hind," he had written on his official social media account.
Raina was last seen in action during a 2021 IPL match. He has won four IPL titles while playing for CSK. He has represented India in 226 ODIs, 78 T20Is, and 18 Test matches.
Also Read: 'My Country, My Identity': Indian Cricket Fraternity Wishes Fans On 79th Independence Day
On the other hand, Dhoni continues to play actively during the IPL, despite rumours of his retirement intensifying after every season. Dhoni, who is known for his wit and calmness, has kept the fans guessing.
He is the only skipper to have won all three ICC tournaments, and he continues to prove his worth during the IPL. He has won five IPL trophies and is considered one of the most successful captains in the tournament's history. Under his captaincy, the Chennai-based franchise had won its fifth IPL title way back in 2023. He also helped the national team become the World No.1 Test team.
He last represented India during the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. He had scored 50 runs off 72 balls and then was run out by Martin Guptill, and the Men in Blue thus lost the match.
During his brilliant career, he had played for India in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is. He batted at a brilliant strike rate of 126.13 in T20Is, and in the 50-over format, he used to bat at an average of 50.57, which was proof of his consistency and his match-winning skills.