Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a man of few words but massive sixes, announced his retirement from international cricket in his inimitable, understated style.
“Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 19.29 hrs consider me as Retired.”
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This was the statement on Saturday evening on his official Instagram handle — mahi7781 — from the former India captain, who led India to the 2011 World Cup title.
Bewilderment reigned across sports circles before it was accepted as his official announcement bidding adieu to the blue shade.
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Dhoni had taken everyone by surprise with his retirement from Tests in Australia in December, 2014. Back then, he concluded a press conference after the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, walked away and then a BCCI press release mentioned that he had retired from Tests.
However, Dhoni continued to play ODIs and Twenty20s till last year. His final tilt for Virat Kohli’s men ended in defeat against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semifinal at Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 10. He scored a 72-ball 50 and retreated.
In retrospect that was his finish-line. While there was talk of a swansong during the ICC Twenty20 World Cup later this year in Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to that. Fans can now watch him turn out for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League at the UAE from September 19.
