'Consider me as retired from 19:29 hours' - MS Dhoni announces international retirement via Instagram

MS Dhoni, who had last donned the India jersey in India’s 2019 World Cup oust, had kept mum over his international future. Amid his absence from the Indian side, 39-year-old Dhoni’s international future has been a big topic of debate in the cricketing fraternity.

To douse all the speculations, the veteran announced his international retirement on Saturday by sharing a video on Instagram. The video depicted Dhoni’s international journey– from breaking into the national side, scripting records, playing memorable knocks, winning trophies and getting run out in his last match for India.

“Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” wrote Dhoni along with the video on Instagram.

MS Dhoni hadn’t played a single match for India since July 2019

The Ranchi stalwart had a disappointing end to his career as he didn’t steer India to the victory in the semi-final of 2019 World Cup. Dhoni’s half-century had certainly raised hopes of fans in the semi-final but his run out at a crucial moment dented India’s chances of progressing into the final.

Since then, the veteran hadn’t played a single match for the country. Amid his truancy, many former players had already predicted that Dhoni had already played his last game for India.

In a career spanning over 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is, Dhoni scored more than 15,000 international runs. Along with being a finisher, Dhoni’s agile wicketkeeping skills were also considered second to none. After breaking into the Indian side in 2004, Dhoni gathered 6 Test hundreds and 10 ODI tons to his name.

Dhoni was also considered as one of the best skippers to have braced the sport. The Ranchi stalwart is the only captain in the history of the sport to have won three ICC trophies– T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011) and Champions Trophy (2013). Along with Ganguly, Dhoni was regarded as a key force behind India’s success at the biggest stage.

Dhoni’s captaincy saga started in 2007 when he led a young Team India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa. The Ranchi stalwart didn’t look back after the triumph as the wicketkeeper-batsman eventually became one of the most decorated skippers of Indian cricket. Dhoni also holds the record for the most stumpings (120) by any wicket-keeper in an ODI career.