Following the footsteps of his favourite captain and dear friend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina announced his retirement from international cricket. Just like MSD, Raina too bid farewell to the captivating game on Instagram.
“It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781. With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you, India. Jai Hind,” Raina wrote on his Instagram account.
One of India’s high-volume white-ball cricketers, Raina was the first Indian batsmen to smash centuries in all the three formats of the game.
The left-handed batsman played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20 internationals and stockpiled nearly 8000 international runs.
Raina’s most memorable moment came when he played a crucial unbeaten knock (34) in a challenging World Cup quarter-final against Australia during the victorious 2011 campaign.
Raina made his ODI debut at the age of 19, in July 2005, against Sri Lanka, and five years later he debuted for India in the Test format against the same opposition. The southpaw achieved the rare feat of a hundred on Test debut.
Both Dhoni and Raina will be seen in action for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) that kicks off from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Here is how the cricket fraternity reacted:
Congratulations on a top career Bhavesh. Goodluck with everything ahead 😊👍 @ImRaina
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020
Congratulations, Suresh on a wonderful career playing 🏏 for India.
Still remember our partnership & on-field conversations during your debut Test!
Wish you all the very best for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/kyhczi2juE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020
A great fielder,brilliant aggressive batsman and a true friend @ImRaina well done on your career for our country. Wish you all the luck for your future #rainaretires pic.twitter.com/ZJJxImWS4X
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2020
Really surprised by Raina calling it a day too….well…guess all good things have to come to an end. Raina tera Kya kehna….one of the best southpaws to don the Indian jersey. Mr. IPL for #CSK. Gave 100% whenever he was on the field. Go well, my friend. #rainaretires
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2020
Thank you for the memories, @ImRaina 🧡 pic.twitter.com/SjSQSKeZ5e
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) August 15, 2020
Congratulations Suresh Raina on a wonderful India career! 👏🏼 @ImRaina
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) August 15, 2020
Congratulations on a wonderful international career @ImRaina Proud of your contribution. Your exuberance rubbed off on the team. Wishing you the very best in your second innings.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2020
Congratulations on a very successful and wonderful career.! Wishing you the best in all your future endeavours. Raina bhai @ImRaina
— SAYYED IQBAL ABDULLAH (SIA) (@iqqiabdullah) August 15, 2020
Congratulations @ImRaina on a wonderful career. God bless nd best wishes ahead 👏👍 #SureshRaina pic.twitter.com/94fcctlFoT
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 15, 2020
You’ve been a constant source of motivation & encouragement for young players everywhere and you will continue to be, even as you embark on this new journey. Congratulations on a great career, @ImRaina. All the very best for everything the future holds.
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) August 15, 2020
Congratulations my friend @ImRaina on a great career.wishing you and family all the very best .Stay blessed
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) August 15, 2020
Thankyou for your unconditional support love and guidance Raina Bhaiya 👬 Masti, mazaak aur tafri zaari rahegi 🤓 Your service to the country will be remembered forever 🇮🇳 Upwards and Onwards 🙌🏻 @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/chgAbmI2Ja
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) August 15, 2020
One of India's prolific players, a champion cricketer, a top-class fielder. Wishing good luck for all your future endeavours. @imraina #rainaretires
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) August 15, 2020
15 August 2020 – a day of goodbyes in #cricket! #SureshRaina has joined #MSDhoni in his international retirement.
322 matches, 7988 runs, 48 stellar half centuries and 7x💯
Thank you, #Raina! You've been such a champion for 🇮🇳See you at the #IPL2020 @ImRaina 💜 pic.twitter.com/SufUCqPMfz
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 15, 2020
Thanks a lot for memories @msdhoni & @ImRaina
Proud to shared dressing room & played alongside you.
All the best for future endeavors boys. pic.twitter.com/pdyvSFIf18— RAMESH POWAR (@imrameshpowar) August 15, 2020
One more super king retires. Enjoyed your dynamism on the field. One of the best hitters of the ball and the BEST fielder. All the best for the future. @ImRaina #rainaretires
— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 15, 2020
Date: Independence Day
Time: Sunset at the southernmost tip of India
Place: Chepauk, their Anbuden#73Forever #Thala #ChinnaThala 🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/mnExWIfuyf— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 15, 2020
Suresh Raina to join Dhoni on his journey 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kmkbf8RQJ2
— ICC (@ICC) August 15, 2020
The first Indian to score a hundred across all three formats, an outstanding fielder and the most enthusiast while celebrating wickets! #ThankYouRaina for the wonderful memories! 🇮🇳🙌 @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/NlQZFGdxqF
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 15, 2020