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In a surprising turn of events, former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni and seasoned all-rounder Suresh Raina announced their retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. Their decisions left the cricketing community both nostalgic and reflective, as they bid adieu to the format that brought them fame, success and immense admiration from fans across the globe.
Legacy and Achievements:
Dhoni’s journey as a cricketer has been nothing short of iconic. Under his captaincy, India achieved remarkable milestones, including winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Known for his astute cricketing mind and leadership skills, Dhoni’s contributions extend beyond statistics to the legacy he left behind as India’s most successful captain in limited-overs cricket.
Raina, affectionately called “Chinna Thala” by fans, brought vibrancy and dynamism to the cricketing arena. A part of India’s limited-overs triumphs, Raina’s agility in the field and ability to deliver under pressure made him a vital asset to the team. His performances in crucial matches earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow cricketers alike.
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Why Dhoni and Raina chose to retire on August 15?
A day after announcing their retirement from international cricket, Raina revealed that they made the decision even before arriving to Chennai for the pre-season camp of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I knew Dhoni would announce his retirement upon reaching Chennai, so I was ready,” Raina was quoted as saying to Dainik Jagran.
“We had made up our minds to retire on August 15. Mahi Bhai’s jersey number is 7 and mine is 3 and put it together and it makes 73. And on Saturday, our country completed 73 years of independence, so there couldn’t have been a better day,” added the southpaw.
Two roads converged on a #yellove wood… #Thala #ChinnaThala #73Forever 🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/0BDe99kp0z
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 16, 2020
“After announcing our retirement, we hugged and cried a lot. I, Piyush Chawla, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Karn Sharma sat together after that, talked about our careers and our relationship. We partied during the night,” disclosed Raina.
Future Endeavors:
As they embark on new chapters in their lives, both Dhoni and Raina remain involved in the sport through different avenues. Dhoni continues to lead and mentor the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the IPL, while Raina looks forward to contributing to cricket in various capacities.
Raina will next be seen playing in the US Masters T10 2023, representing the California Knights.
