As India celebrated its 74th Independence Day (August 15), fans were greeted in the evening with Dhoni’s retirement news.
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It was on Instagram that Dhoni broke the news. He had not played for India since July 2019 when the Virat Kohli-led side exited the World Cup from the semi-final stage. It was a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand on July 10, 2019.
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Many had assumed it to be Dhoni’s final international innings and it turned out to be true a year later. His final innings saw him score 50.
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He was run out to a brilliant piece of fielding from Martin Guptill. With his dismissal, India’s hopes ended at the World Cup.
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Later, speaking in the post-match press conference, skipper Kohli had rued 45 minutes of “bad cricket”.
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Indian fans were disappointed at India’s semi-final exit. The loss came at around 7.29 PM IST on July 10.
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Dhoni chose the exact time of 7.29 PM IST to announce his retirement from international cricket. He wrote on Instagram, “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired (sic).”
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In cricket, timing is important and Dhoni chose the right time to say goodbye to national duties. Now, he will be seen in action in IPL 2020.
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Dhoni is now part of an IPL preparatory camp in Chennai. He will be leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from September 19 in IPL 2020 in the UAE.
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Dhoni, who wore jersey No. 7 for India, chose the number 7 while picking his retirement time. Now, many fans are urging the BCCI to retire India jersey No. 7.
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