In 2020, on this day: The cricketing world was shocked when MS Dhoni announced his international retirement.

With his decisive batting, flawless wicketkeeping, and captivating leadership abilities, MS Dhoni has gradually cemented his name in the hearts of cricket fans since making his India debut back in December 2004. After India lost to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semifinal, MS Dhoni missed over a year of international cricket and it appeared that the talismanic batsman would soon call it quits on his storied career.

Fans of former India captain MS Dhoni had their worst dread come true on August 15, 2020, when he announced his retirement in an emotional Instagram video that featured a slideshow of some of the most memorable images from his international career. In the video, Dhoni chose the well-known song “Main pal do pal ka shayar hoon” from the 1976 film “Kabhie Kabhie,” which must have moved even the toughest of men.

“I really appreciate your love and support throughout.Consider me to be retired as of 1929 UTC,” the successful cricketer stated in the caption.

The inspiration MSD merely ended his international career, much to the supporters’ relief, and did not leave the game altogether. Dhoni continued playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League and continues to perform miracles for Chennai Super Kings there.

Distinguished international career of MS Dhoni

When Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid were absent from India’s 2007 T20 World Cup winning squad, MS Dhoni led a young side to victory. India’s 28-year absence from an ODI World Cup victory came to an end in 2011 under Dhoni’s leadership. In 2013, the Ranchi native also assisted India in capturing the Champions Trophy.

In 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20 Internationals, respectively, Dhoni has scored 4876, 10773, and 1617 runs as a hitter. As a member of the “Men in Blue,” he has also scored 16 centuries and 108 half-centuries. While Rishabh Pant has been able to successfully fill MS Dhoni’s shoes in red-ball cricket, the Southpaw’s performance in white-ball matches still leaves a lot to be desired.