Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Indian Cricket team captain aged 39 years announces his retirement from international cricket on 15th August i.e. Independence Day of India at 17:29 hours. Dhoni declared his retirement by posting a video of his entire journey on Instagram that made his fans and cricket world emotional.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni made his ODI debut v/s Bangladesh on 23 December 2004, test debut v/s Sri Lanka on 2 December 2005 and T20 debut v/s South Africa on 1 December 2006. He played his last ODI at semi-finals of ICC world cup 2019 v/s New Zealand on 9 July 2019.
Known as Mahi by his beloved fans, there was despair and heartbreak when fans realized they won’t be able to see their captain cool in international matches, though he would continue to play for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League starting from 19th September at U.A.E.
Dhoni’s records as a Captain
- Dhoni has won 41 matches as a captain in T20Is – the most by any captain. The next on the list is Asghar Afghan of Afghanistan with 39 wins.
- MS Dhoni showed India how to win big tournaments. He is the only captain to win all the three ICC trophies: ODI World Cup (2011), T20 World Cup (2007) and Champions Trophy (2013).
Dhoni’s records as a Batsman
- MS Dhoni is the only player to score 10,000 plus runs batting at No. 6 or lower in international cricket. He’s scored 10628 runs at an average of 41.19 with 9 100s and 69 50s. The next best is Mark Boucher of South Africa with 9365 runs at 29.26 with five 100s and 55 fifties.
- Dhoni hit 359 sixes in international cricket – the most by any wicket-keeper batsman.
- Dhoni is the only Indian wicket-keeper batsman to score a double century in Tests. That double ton arrived in 2013 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where he hit a match-winning 224 off 265 balls against Australia and also won the Man of the Match award.
- Dhoni’s 183 not out against Sri Lanka in Jaipur in 2005 still remains the highest score by a wicket-keeper batsman in ODIs. The next best is Quinton de Kock with 178 against Australia at the Centurion in 2016.
- Dhoni scored 17266 runs in his international career, the second-most by any wicket-keeper batsman behind Kumar Sangakkara who amassed 17840.
Dhoni’s records as a Finisher
- Dhoni is the only batsman who averages more than 100 in successful run chases in ODIs. He averages a staggering 102.71. (For batsmen to have played 20 innings or more in successful run chases).
- What adds weight to the above stat is the fact that he’s remained not out in international cricket most number of times – 142, including 47 times in successful ODI chases – the most by any player.
- And an interesting nugget: Dhoni has hit winning runs via a six 13 times in international cricket.
Dhoni’s records as Wicket Keeper
- One of the fittest cricketers in the world, MS Dhoni was lightening fast behind the stumps. The bails would get clipped in milliseconds and get the batsman stumped.
- Dhoni made 195 stumpings across the formats during his career – the most by any wicket-keeper.
- Dhoni had 91 dismissals in T20Is, most by any wicket-keeper in the format. The next best is Dinesh Ramdin who is quite far behind with 63 dismissals.
- Dhoni had 829 dismissals in international cricket, the third-highest behind Mark Boucher (998) and Adam Gilchrist (905)
- Dhoni is the only wicket-keeper to feature in 500-plus international matches.
Indian and International Cricketers on Dhoni’s Retirement
1. Sachin Tendulkar – Former Indian Cricketer
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. pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020
2. Virender Sehwag – Former Indian Cricketer
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 pic.twitter.com/glemkBUwWT
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2020
3. Virat Kohli – Indian Cricketer
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…… pic.twitter.com/0CuwjwGiiS
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020
4. Rohit Sharma – Indian Cricketer
One of the most influential man in the history of Indian cricket👏His impact in & around cricket was massive. He was a man with vision and a master in knowing how to build a team. Will surely miss him in blue but we have him in yellow.
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 16, 2020
See you on 19th at the toss @msdhoni 👍😁 pic.twitter.com/kR0Lt1QdhG
5. Harbhajan Singh – Former Indian Cricketer
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
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 15, 2020
6. Ravindrasinh Jadeja – Indian Cricketer
Elder brother, mentor, captain and above all a legend of the game. Learnt so much from you skipper. The game will miss you 💙 #legend pic.twitter.com/T6WnNPp1RH
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) August 15, 2020
7. Yuzvendra Chahal – Indian Cricketer
Mahi bhai you have given me and billions of people memories that we can never forget. You’re not just an Inspiration but you’re an emotion felt and dealt by every audience of this game. It was an honour playing alongside you.
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) August 15, 2020
Thank you & all the best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/zlgqhdqapa
8. Zaheer Khan – Former Indian Cricketer
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 pic.twitter.com/5fC9LJMa5A
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) August 15, 2020
9. K.L. Rahul – Indian Cricketer
No words will ever be enough. Thank you Mahi bhai, for your patience, your guidance and constant support. You are and will always be an inspiration and the reason so many of us believed in our dreams. 7 forever. 🙏🏼♥️ pic.twitter.com/EzHb3jFViT
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) August 15, 2020
10. Shikhar Dhawan – Indian Cricketer
Captain. Leader. Legend. Thanks Mahi bhai for everything you have done for the country! 🇮🇳 #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/IhcF6FAicL
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 15, 2020
11. Rishabh Pant – Indian Cricketer
A little boy had a dream of batting on the other end of the pitch with you. That little boy’s dream came true 🤩 Learning from you and being close to you has been the highest privilege. India will always be proud of @msdhoni 🇮🇳 Enjoy the journey ahead Mahi bhai 🤗 Legend 🙌🏻 #7 pic.twitter.com/iGlrQEQJTG
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) August 15, 2020
12. Kuldeep Yadav – Indian Cricketer
An experience of a lifetime. Playing with you has been an honour. So many learnings on and off the field.Thank you for all the guidance,you helped me became a better cricketer and improved my game.Cherish all the moments together and will miss you. Best wishes @msdhoni #legend 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/NKUxMBSivl
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) August 15, 2020
13. Mohammad Shami – Indian Cricketer
To the man, the leader from whom I’ve learnt so much, thank you Mahi bhai for always being there for me and guiding me throughout.#ThankYouMSDhoni pic.twitter.com/f8PkoWB7Q2
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) August 15, 2020
14. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Indian Cricketer
You taught us that all our dreams can come true if v have the courage to pursue them. It was an honour to be a part of ur cricketing journey. I have learnt so much from u, ur wisdom, guidance has always helped me not only in cricket but for life as well. Happy retirement @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/wjaWla3DKY
— Bhuvneshwar Kumar (@BhuviOfficial) August 16, 2020
15. Yusuf Pathan – Former Indian Cricketer
End of an era. One of the smartest cricket brains of all time, an extraordinary talent. Cricket will miss you MS! Wishing happy retirement and all the best for your future. #DhoniRetires
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) August 15, 2020
16. Irfan Pathan – Former Indian Cricketer
It was a privilege to have played with a friend and a cricketer who gave many laurels to our country on the cricketing field, very very greatly done on your career @msdhoni #dhoniretires pic.twitter.com/ksfbedyDnQ
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2020
17. V.V.S. Laxman – Former Indian Cricketer
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. pic.twitter.com/NgCUdR6aSN
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 15, 2020
18. Ravichandran Ashwin – Indian Cricketer
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
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 15, 2020
19. Ravi Shastri – Coach and Former Indian Cricketer
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 🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/n6CfDTvE9q
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2020
20. Adam Gilchrist – Former Australian Cricketer
Always a pleasure to play against you @msdhoni You did it with style, flamboyance and above all else, calmness. Your own way. The Dhoni way. Congrats on all you achieved. https://t.co/K9zfx2VLmF
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) August 15, 2020
21. Kevin Pietersen – Former England Cricketer
Welcome to the retirement club, MSD!
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) August 15, 2020
What a magical career! 🤝
22. Ricky Ponting – Former Australian Cricketer
Congrats @msdhoni on a brilliant international career. I loved and enjoyed every contest we had as players and now I still have to find ways to stop you winning games against the @DelhiCapitals. Look forward to saying it in person in a few weeks time. pic.twitter.com/R34XMtha0h
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) August 16, 2020
23. Herschelle Gibbs – Former South African Cricketer
Great competitor, what a player @msdhoni 👏👏 #champion #greatguy #msdhoni #chennai #ipl #t20 #cricket🏏 https://t.co/DpxfbqMfZq
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) August 16, 2020
24. Shane Warne – Former Australian Cricketer
Congrats to @msdhoni on a wonderful cricketing career ! Was a pleasure watching you play & the way you led your troops too. Good luck with everything you choose to do in the future ! Absolute legend 👍
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) August 15, 2020
25. Gautam Gambhir – Former Indian Cricketer
From “India A” to “The India” our journey has been full of question marks, commas, blanks & exclamations. Now as you put a full stop to your chapter, I can tell u from experience that the new phase is as exciting and there’s no limit to DRS here!!! Well played @msdhoni @BCCI
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 15, 2020
26. Hardik Pandya – Indian Cricketer
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 🙏🏾🇮🇳 #7 pic.twitter.com/Q3j9pbcOGy
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 15, 2020
27. Cheteshwar Pujara – Indian Cricketer
Thank you @msdhoni bhai for your contribution to Indian cricket, and the mentorship over the years. Congratulations on a remarkable career, and best wishes for the journey ahead! pic.twitter.com/pQfIzEJnHe
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 15, 2020
28. Anil Kumble – Former Indian Cricketer
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.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2020
29. Shardul Thakur – Indian Cricketer
Thank you @msdhoni bhai for so many beautiful memories. All these years you’ve led our nation and all the youngsters gracefully. Words are not enough to describe your contribution and what you brought to this game.… https://t.co/eFzrZawpxM
— Shardul Thakur (@imShard) August 15, 2020
30. Ajinkya Rahane – Indian Cricketer
Thanks for everything Mahi Bhai…you will always be special for me, have learnt so much from you! Always wishing you the best! pic.twitter.com/4MFQvHbAzN
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 15, 2020
31. Umesh Yadav – Indian Cricketer
Thank you Mahi bhai for everything you have done for us. The game is going to miss you ❤️ #Legend pic.twitter.com/dcskzqHbfK
— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) August 15, 2020
32. Jasprit Bumrah – Indian Cricketer
You’ve been a friend and a guide on the field and off it. I’ve learnt so many valuable lessons by simply watching you be & I am glad I got to be a part of your professional journey. Congratulations on an illustrious career, Mahi Bhai, thank you for the memories. @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/UaycpTq8LV
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) August 15, 2020
33. Mayank Agarwal – Indian Cricketer
A visionary leader who has given us innumerable memories to cherish. May your story continue to inspire people to push beyond the boundaries of wisdom and success.
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) August 15, 2020
You will forever be a champion, @msdhoni ♥️ pic.twitter.com/WsbcVlHO8a
This is all for farewell to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, If we miss out on any tweet do let us know, we’ll add it.
Don’t forget to share with MSDians ❤️