August 15, 2020, at 7:29 IST, marked the end of one of the most illustrious careers in cricket history. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, aka “Captain Cool”, finally announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket after 16 years. Having conquered all major trophies across all formats, including the T20 World Cup and the ICC World Cup, along with the Champions Trophy and the IPL trophy.
Coming from the mining state of Jharkhand, India, Dhoni was a keeper-batsman coming out of the Bihar state team. He would not make the U19 World Cup, but just a few years later made his international debut Bangladesh in Chittagong. His finishing ability, along with his composure brought him to the forefront of international cricket.
He became a household name after several famous knocks, including his 148 against Pakistan (2005), 183* against Sri Lanka, and another 148 against Pakistan (2006). His quick and decisive ability behind the stumps made him a fearless wicketkeeper, one of the best to do it. Being named the captain in September 2007, Dhoni would lead India to a T20 trophy in its inaugural season against rivals Pakistan.
Since then, Dhoni has lifted the other two ICC trophies – World Cup and Champions Trophy – the only captain to ever do so.
Dhoni played 538 international matches, amassing 17,266 runs, with an all-around batting average of 42.07. As a keeper, he has 123 stumpings in ODIs, the most by any wicketkeeper, along with 38 in tests and 34 in T20Is. He has also been one of the most consistent players in the Indian Premier League throughout the years, winning 3 IPL trophies with the Chennai Super Kings.
Though cricket fans all across the globe will be sad to see the departure of Dhoni from the international game, they will surely continue to watch him in the IPL.
Photo: Times of India
