Tragic events befell Indian cricket supporters on August 15, 2020, the day the country celebrated its 74th Independence Day in one of the most memorable years in human history. At precisely 7:29 p.m., the renowned Indian skipper MS Dhoni declared his retirement from international cricket.
A Sudden Farewell: MS Dhoni Announces Retirement on August 15, 2020
The post surprised the cricket community as a whole, as fans were taken aback by Dhoni’s abrupt disclosure. Consequently, what was maybe the most spectacular career in Indian cricket history ended. With three ICC trophies under his belt, Dhoni left limited-overs cricket as the most successful Indian skipper ever. Due to his retirement, Dhoni’s half-century against New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal was his final international innings. Throughout his 15-year career, the young Ranchi lad who dared to dream big changed the face of Indian cricket.
Following the disaster of the 2007 ODI World Cup, Dhoni elevated Indian cricket to never-before-seen levels when he guided a youthful squad to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup. Under his guidance, India ended their 28-year-long drought for an ODI World Cup trophy, cementing the captain’s legacy in history. On the biggest night, Dhoni was the most brilliant player as his incredible knock of 91* (79) put India ahead.
The Man with the Midas Touch, Dhoni
Two years later, the cricketer from Ranchi, who is the first skipper to have all three ICC trophies in his cabinet, captained another young side to the Champions Trophy 2013 victory. The wicketkeeper hitter experienced many bad points in his career in addition to unmatched success.
Some of the lowest points in Dhoni’s career came after a series loss against Bangladesh and eight straight losses in SENA Tests. But the great cricketer repeatedly showed his doubters incorrect with his incredible on-field exploits.
Regretfully, after being run out in his last international innings, the man who over his career provided Indian cricket and its supporters with many exuberant moments, had to leave the field for the last time, tears in his eyes. When Martin Guptill, the man with the “Midas touch,” took his final stroll back to the pavilion at Old Trafford Manchester, a direct hit from him broke the World Cup hope of a billion people. The atmosphere was eerily still.
Between two outs, the man who took over the world
Dhoni’s career came to an awful end on July 10, 2019, exactly as it had begun on December 23, 2004, “with an unfortunate run out.” In the interval between those two outs, the Ranchi boy demonstrated. Since a ticket collector from Ranchi ended up winning the biggest trophies in international cricket, Dhoni’s spectacular career will always inspire young people from tiny cities in India to pursue their ambitions.
In a 16-word speech thanking his supporters, the iconic skipper announced his retirement and once again demonstrated his simplicity. Additionally, he posted a video montage that transported his fans back to simpler times. “Many thanks for all of your love and support. Consider me retired as of 1929 hrs., Dhoni wrote on his Instagram retirement message.
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