On 15th August 2020, as the nation celebrated its 74th Independence Day in one of the most forgettable years in the historic of mankind, a tragedy struck Indian cricket fans. Legendary India captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket at 7:29 pm sharp in the evening.
The post sent shockwaves in the entire cricketing fraternity as fans were left stunned with Dhoni’s sudden revelation. As a result, arguably the most glittering career in the history Indian cricket came to an end. Dhoni retired as the most successful Indian captain in limited overs cricket with three ICC trophies to his name.
Dhoni’s retirement meant that his half century against New Zealand in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2019 became his last international innings. The young boy from Ranchi who dared to dream big changed the face of Indian cricket in his 15-year-long career.
After the debacle of the 2007 ODI World Cup, Dhoni took Indian cricket to unprecedented heights as he led a young team to T20 World Cup glory in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007.
The captain cool further etched his name in the history books as under his leadership India ended their 28-year-long drought of an ODI World Cup trophy. Dhoni shone the brightest on the biggest night as his phenomenal knock of 91* (79) took India over the line in the final and helped them clinch their second ODI World Cup.
Dhoni: The Man with the Midas touch
Two years later, the Ranchi-born cricketer led another young team to Champions Trophy 2013 triumph becoming the first captain to have all three ICC trophies in his cabinet. While the wicketkeeper batter’s career was full of unparalleled success, he also faced several lows in his career.
Eight consecutive losses in SENA Tests and a series loss against Bangladesh were some of the lowest moments of Dhoni’s career. However, the legendary cricketer proved his naysayers wrong time and again with his marvellous performances on the field.
Unfortunately, the man who gave several ecstatic moments to Indian cricket and its fans in his career, left the field for the one final time with tears in his eyes as he was run out in his final international innings. A direct hit from Martin Guptill crushed the world cup dream of a billion people as the man with the ‘midas touch’ took his final walk back to the pavilion amid an eerie silence at the Old Trafford Manchester.
The man who conquered the world between two run outs
Dhoni’s legacy had a tragic end as it ended on 10th July 2019, just the way it started on 23rd December 2004, ‘with an unfortunate run out’. Between those two run-outs, the boy from Ranchi proved that those who dream big and chase them with their heart and soul, end up conquering great heights irrespective of hailing from a small town.
Dhoni’s scintillating career will forever serve as an inspiration for all the youngsters from small cities of India to go after their dreams because a ticket collector from Ranchi ended up collecting the biggest prizes in world cricket.
The legendary captain once again highlighted his simplicity with things while announcing his retirement as he thanked his fans in a 16-worded message. He also uploaded a video montage which took his fans to nostalgic trip down the memory lane.
“Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” Dhoni had written in his retirement post on Instagram.
