Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Saturday, announced his retirement from international cricket to bring down the curtain on a career which saw him become the only skipper to win all three major International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies — the World Cup, the World Twenty20 and the Champions Trophy.
In a post on Instagram on Saturday, Dhoni wrote: "Thanks. Thanks for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired"
Dhoni, however, will play for the Chennai Super Kings in the 13th edition of the IPL. And team CEO is Kasi Viswanath had recently said that he will continue playing till 2022.
ALSO READ | Laxman lauds Dhoni on retirement
He had stepped down from ODI captaincy in January 2017 after having retired from Tests on December 30, 2014, in Australia. The 39-year-old from Ranchi led India in 200 ODIs and 72 T20Is. Dhoni, who was named captain in 2007, led India to the top of the world Test rankings and is the only player to captain in more than 50 matches in each of the three formats.
Having made his international debut in 2004, Dhoni rose through the ranks in Indian cricket. After being named the captain of the Twenty20 side in 2007, Dhoni guided India to the inaugural World Twenty20 title in South Africa.
He was eventually named the ODI captain, succeeding Rahul Dravid when he relinquished the post, and then ascended to full-time Test captain once Anil Kumble retired.
ALSO READ | Suresh Raina follows Dhoni into retirement
Dhoni’s career has had several points of crescendo but the crowning moment came in 2011 when he slammed a power-packed six over widish long-on off a fuller length ball from Nuwan Kulasekara to end India's arduous 28 year-long wait for a second ODI World Cup.
From the BCCI
At 9.18 pm, the BCCI officially confirmed Dhoni's retirement via a media release.
"Former India captain Mr Mahendra Singh Dhoni has announced his retirement from international cricket. The boy from Ranchi, who made his ODI debut in 2004, changed the face of Indian cricket with his calm demeanour, sharp understanding of the game and astute leadership qualities.
"One of the most admired and respected cricketers, Dhoni is also among the most successful captains in world cricket. It was under his leadership that India lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 after having led India to triumph in the ICC World T20 in its maiden edition of the tournament held in 2007 in South Africa. With India winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 in England, Dhoni became the first and is still the only captain till date to have won all three ICC Trophies. While his heroics in the limited-overs formats are well documented, it was also under his leadership that India became the No. 1 Test side in 2009 and the team stayed at the top for over 600 days. He has led India to victory in 21 home Test matches, the most by an Indian captain," said the release, adding: "Leaving behind a rich legacy that will be difficult to replicate, Dhoni holds the record for most international matches as captain (332). Unarguably the quickest man behind the wicket, Dhoni has 195 international stumpings, the most by any wicket-keeper."
Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said: “MS Dhoni is one of the greats of the modern era. I understand it’s a personal decision and we respect that. ‘Mahi’ as we all fondly refer to him, has had an exceptional career in international cricket. His captaincy has been both inspiring and commendable. He is leaving the game richer from the time he joined. I wish him all the very best for IPL and his future endeavours.”
Comments
SHARE