As if the retirement of MS Dhoni was not enough to fathom, Suresh Raina added salt on the wounds of millions of cricketing fans by following the footsteps of his friend and captain Dhoni.
Raina too announced his retirement from international cricket on Instagram, just minutes after Dhoni did the same.
In the end, it was strangely fitting as both stalwarts walked into the sunset of their respective career on the same day.
“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 in an Instagram post.
Fans and people from all walks of life flocked to social media to thank the southpaws for his immense contribution to the Indian cricket.
Priyanka Chaudhary, Raina’s wife, too penned an emotional message on Twitter.
“Though I’m still processing this! All I can say is I’m bursting with pride, Immense pride. My heart is just filled with respect & gratitude @ImRaina,” Priyanka wrote on the microblogging site.
Though I’m still processing this! All I can say is I’m bursting with pride, Immense pride. My heart is just filled with respect & gratitude ❤️❤️❤️ @ImRaina. pic.twitter.com/Avrz8j2PGe
— Priyanka Chaudhary Raina (@PriyankaCRaina) August 15, 2020
The 33-year-old Raina featured in 226 ODIs, 18 Tests and 78 T20Is for India. While he was not much effective in the traditional format of the game, but when it comes to limited-overs cricket, there’s quite no one like him..
Along with Dhoni, he formed an explosive lower middle-order for Team India. Both of them shared a great rapport on and off the field and stitched numerous match-winning partnerships for India.
Raina is the first Indian to score centuries in all formats of the game. The left-handed batsman achieved the feat during a 2010 T20 World Cup in a match against South Africa. He made a fiery 101 runs off just 60 balls.
Along with his dynamic batting ability, Raina will also be remembered for his tremendous athleticism whose fielding ability was second to none.
