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New Delhi: Cricketing great Mahendra Singh Dhoni surprised everybody by posting his decision to retire on his Instagram account on Saturday.
“Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” the former India captain – a right handed batsman and wicketkeeper, who is the only captain in the history of Cricket to win all ICC trophies, stated.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD6ZQn1lGBi/?utm_source=ig_embed
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Under Mahi, as he is affectionately called, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He also successfully led the Indian Test side to becoming the number one cricket team in the world in the ICC rankings for the first time ever in 2009.
In the Indian Premier League, its 2020 season now will be his swansong, he captained the Chennai Super Kings to victory at the 2010, 2011 and 2018 seasons, along with wins in the 2010 and 2014 editions of Champions League Twenty20.
Also referred by his fans by his initials MSD, Dhoni had an impressive cricketing career in all formats of the game as a wicketkeeper batsman. He had already announced his retirement from Test Cricket in 2014, where in 90 matches and 144 innings he had scored 4876 runs at an average of 38.1 and scored six centuries and 33 half centuries with 224 as his highest score. As a wicketkeeper he had also taken 256 catches, and done 38 stumpings.
In ODIs, where he was considered the best finisher that the game had seen, he played 350 matches between 2004-2019 and in 297 innings he scored 10773 runs at an average of 50.6 and remained not out on 84 occasions. He scored 10 centuries and 73 half centuries with his best score being 183 not out. Besides, as wicketkeeper, he took 321 catches and effected 123 stumpings. He was also directly involved in getting 22 run outs.
In T-20 games between 2006 and 2019, Dhoni had scored 1617 runs at an average of 37.6 with 2 half centuries in 85 innings of 98 matches. He also got 57 catches and 34 stumpings in these matches.
Purely on the basis of his wicket-keeping abilities too, among the wicket keepers with most international dismissals under their belt, Dhoni with 829 stood second after South Africa’s Mark Boucher (998) in the all time list.
Besides, Dhoni also took an international wicket as a bowler!
In 2011, Time magazine included Dhoni in its annual Time 100 list as one of the “Most Influential People in the World.”
Although there were much speculations about Dhoni’s retirement, his sudden announcement came as a shock to his millions of fans. His opponents, his former as well as present teammates alike, have taken to their respective Twitter handle in praise of their captain.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “The 2011 World Cup win was @sachin_rt farewell but masterminded by MS Dhoni … What an incredible international career … You could argue the greatest ever white ball captain & finisher … Cheers for all the memories MS.”
Legendary cricketer and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, who had played under Dhoni’s captaincy, tweeted: ” Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings.”
Virender Sehwag, Dhoni’s former team mate and one of the finest opening batsmen in the world, tweeted: “To have a player like him,Mission Impossible. Na Koi Hai,Na Koi Tha, Na Koi Hoga MS ke jaisa. Players will come & go but there won’t be a calmer man like him. Dhoni with his connect with people having aspirations was like a family member to many cricket lovers. Om Finishaya Namah.”
Another former teammate VVS Laxman tweeted: “Seeing Dhoni’s journey from a small town boy into a match-winner and one of the most astute leaders the world has seen was remarkable. Thank you for the wonderful memories, Mahi. It was my privilege to play alongside you and I will always cherish the memories we shared together.”
Legendary leg spinner Anil Kumble tweeted: “Congratulations
@msdhoni on a great International career. It was an honour to play alongside. Your calm demeanour and the laurels you brought as skipper will forever be remembered and cherished. Wishing you the very best.”
The turbanator, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, said: “Greatest wicket Keepar batsman, captain@msdhoni I wish you lots of happiness going forward..Thank you for all the great contributions and memories on the field..Congratulation on great career.. see you soon in yellow jersey #WhistlePodu @ChennaiIPL #Dhonifinishesoffinstyle.”
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan stated: “The captain who always utilised his resources to the fullest. Really enjoyed the freedom of bowling with you . Wish you all the luck with your second innings. @msdhoni.”
Former India captain and present coach of the national team, Ravi Shastri tweeted: “Massive boots to fill. It’s been a privilege and honour to be part of the dressing room and seeing you as a thoroughbred professional at work. Salute one of India’s greatest cricketers. Second to none. Enjoy. God Bless MS DHONI.”
Another former cricket and teammate Mohammad Kaif tweeted: “Can’t imagine any one else wearing a Number 7 India jersey again. Thank you for the unforgettable memories #MSDhoni. See you in UAE.”
Indian allrounder Ravinder Jadeja said: “Elder brother, mentor, captain and above all a legend of the game. Learnt so much from you skipper. The game will miss you.” While another bowling allrounder, R.Ashwin tweeted: “The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni.”
All rounder Hardik Pandya tweeted: “There’s only one #MSDhoni. Thank you my friend and elder brother for being the biggest inspiration in my career. Will miss playing with you in the blue jersey but am sure you will always be there for me and will keep guiding me.”
For Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Dhoni remained his skipper to date. In a series of tweets, Kohli said: “Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you’ve gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you’ve done for the country will always remain in everyone’s heart……but the mutual respect and warmth I’ve received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I’ve seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you @msdhoni.”
Born in Ranchi in the then undivided Bihar, Dhoni’s rise has been an inspiration to many aspiring sportspersons from small towns with limited facilities. Dhoni’s father worked in junior management positions in MECON in Ranchi. His inspiring story also attracted the Bollywood and a biopic, MS Dhoni – The Untold Story was made on his life. Tragically, Sushant Singh Rajput, the main lead in the film who played the role of Dhoni and also hailed from Bihar, was found dead, hanging from the ceiling in his Mumbai apartment.
-globalbihari bureau
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