Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on 15th August 2020, causing much sadness among millions of his fans around the world and bringing about an end to a legendary 16-year-old illustrious career.
One of the most prolific batsmen in modern history, Dhoni is also regarded as one of the finest wicket keepers in limited-overs international cricket and one of the best ‘finishers’ of the game. Further, he is also considered one of the best Indian captains ever, leading India to success in 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2007 ICC World Twenty20. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Dhoni has been one of the cricketing heroes of the modern world!
The cricketing legend put up a simple post on Instagram to announce his retirement, writing “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired”
The 39-year-old charismatic cricketer made his debut in 2004 at Chittagong against Bangladesh and has played 350 one-day international games, 90 test matches, and 98 T20 matches. He was appointed the captain of the Indian cricket team in 2007 and has led India to some fantastic wins in his career.
Here are a list of achievements by the ace Indian cricketer.
- Under Dhoni’s captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
- He has captained India in a record 332 international matches – 200 ODIs, 60 Tests and 72 T20Is.
- He is also the first player to be awarded the ICC ODI Player of the Year twice, winning the prestigious award in 2008 and 2009.
- He holds the distinction of the most wins by an Indian captain in ODIs and T20s.
- In 2013, he became the first captain to win all three ICC limited-overs trophies – World Cup, Champions Trophy and the World Twenty20.
- His performance as a wicket keeper has also been stellar – he holds the distinction of the most stumpings in international cricket. In 350 international matches, he has 123 stumpings to his credit.
- In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour. In 2018, the government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour. In 2007, he was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour.
- He was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Territorial Army in 2011.
Cricketers and celebrities in India and across the world tweeted their memories of Dhoni, wishing him the best for his second innings.
Here is a tweet by current Indian captain Virat Kohli.
Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you’ve gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you’ve done for the country will always remain in everyone’s heart…… pic.twitter.com/0CuwjwGiiS
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020
Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar also wished the cricketer the best for his future.
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
This cricketing legend will certainly be missed by fans across the world. Are you a Dhoni fan too? Let us know in the comments section below.
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