On This Day in 2020: MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina Announce Retirement from International Cricket

One of the finest skippers ever to don the Indian cricket team jersey, MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on this day in 2020. Sharing an emotional video on Instagram, Dhoni announced his decision to hang up his boots. “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” read the post shared by Dhoni on Instagram. The video shared by the World Cup-winning skipper perfectly encapsulated his illustrious journey in the international arena.

August 15, 2020, also marked Suresh Raina’s retirement from international cricket. Raina announced his decision shortly after MS Dhoni brought the curtain down on his career. Sharing a cryptic post on Instagram, Raina conveyed, “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!”

In September 2022, Suresh Raina decided to retire from “all formats of cricket.” The former India all-rounder was last seen in an Indian Premier League (IPL) game in October 2021. Raina had won four IPL titles with the Chennai Super Kings.

In international cricket, Raina featured in 226 ODIs, 78 T20Is and 18 Tests.

The only captain to win all three ICC trophies, MS Dhoni still continues to ply his trade in the IPL. With five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles under his belt, Dhoni is one of the most successful skippers ever to feature in the competition. Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title last year. Dhoni also led Team India to the pinnacle of the ICC Test rankings.

In international cricket, MS Dhoni was last seen in action in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Dhoni scored 50 off 72 balls in that fixture before he was run out by a top-notch throw from Martin Guptill. Dhoni’s dismissal eventually resulted in India’s defeat and subsequently a shocking ODI World Cup exit.

Overall, MS Dhoni represented India in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is. In T20I cricket, Dhoni recorded an impressive strike rate of 126.13. The former India skipper enjoyed an emphatic average of 50.57 in the 50-over format.