While the whole nation was celebrating its 74th year of independence, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina decided to cut short the joy of millions of cricket fans by announcing their retirements from international cricket on the same day. The announcements came as a painful double whammy for the cricketing world to fathom.
Both players share a great camaraderie on and off the field. Raina has played for India on 153 occasions under Dhoni’s leadership.
The duo will be seen together very soon while donning the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The league will commence from September 19 in UAE.
As soon as Raina and Dhoni declared their retirement, fans and colleagues flocked to social media to thank them for their selfless service to Team India.
Indian leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav too joined the party and penned a heartfelt message for both the players.
“An experience of a lifetime. Playing with you has been an honour. So many learnings on and off the field.Thank you for all the guidance,you helped me became a better cricketer and improved my game.Cherish all the moments together and will miss you. Best wishes @msdhoni,” wrote Kuldeep.
An experience of a lifetime. Playing with you has been an honour. So many learnings on and off the field.Thank you for all the guidance,you helped me became a better cricketer and improved my game.Cherish all the moments together and will miss you. Best wishes @msdhoni #legend 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/NKUxMBSivl
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) August 15, 2020
For the southpaw, Kuldeep wrote: “From the early days of my career, you have played a very important role in helping me grow as a person and as a cricketer. You have been my idol, mentor and my elder brother. Congratulations on the wonderful career. Wishing you nothing but the best. @ImRaina bhai”.
From the early days of my career, you have played a very important role in helping me grow as a person and as a cricketer. You have been my idol, mentor and my elder brother. Congratulations on the wonderful career. Wishing you nothing but the best. @ImRaina bhai 🤗 pic.twitter.com/LUOXpONB1z
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) August 15, 2020
Meanwhile, the other leggie, Yuzvendra Chahal, wished good luck to the former Indian skipper for his second innings of the life.
“Mahi bhai you have given me and billions of people memories that we can never forget. You’re not just an Inspiration but you’re an emotion felt and dealt by every audience of this game. It was an honour playing alongside you. Thank you & all the best for your 2nd innings,” tweeted Yuzi, as he is popularly known.
Mahi bhai you have given me and billions of people memories that we can never forget. You’re not just an Inspiration but you’re an emotion felt and dealt by every audience of this game. It was an honour playing alongside you.
Thank you & all the best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/zlgqhdqapa— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) August 15, 2020
“One of the most passionate and vibrant guys I have ever played with. Good luck on the new innings Raina bhai @ImRaina,” Chahal tweeted for Raina.
One of the most passionate and vibrant guys I have ever played with. Good luck on the new innings Raina bhai @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/HQmIyfglJ1
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) August 16, 2020
