Former India captain MS Dhoni announces retirement
MS Dhoni issued a retirement announcement on Saturday as India's former captain thanked fans for their "love and support".
Former India captain MS Dhoni, one of cricket's modern-day greats, announced on Saturday: "Consider me as retired."
The 39-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman issued a short Instagram post on Saturday, along with a video montage of his India appearances over the years.
Dhoni did not specify whether the announcement applied only to his illustrious international career, although reports in India indicated that was the case.
"Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as retired." he wrote.
Dhoni has not played for his country since the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand at Old Trafford in July 2019.
It appeared unlikely he would play on the international level again after chief selector MSK Prasad stated India were "moving on" when asked about the former skipper's chances of being recalled.
An explosive batsman, gifted keeper and inspirational leader, Dhoni proved particularly outstanding in white-ball cricket.
During his reign as skipper, India won the World Twenty20 in 2007, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and rose to the top of the Test rankings.
Indian cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar was quick to pay tribute to former team-mate Dhoni following the announcement.
Tendulkar tweeted: "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."
The powerful Dhoni made his India debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2004 and went on to make an incredible 350 appearances in the 50-over format, racking up 10,733 runs at a staggering average of 50.57.
He scored 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09 in 90 Tests and 1,617 in his 98 Twenty20 Internationals, averaging 37.60 in the shortest format.
Dhoni chalked up 829 dismissals behind the stumps in all three formats during a stellar career for a country where he is adored and also took a solitary ODI wicket.
