Former Indian Captain MS Dhoni and Indian Flamboyant left-hander Suresh Raina stunned the entire nation and the cricketing World on the evening of August 15th by announcing their retirement from International Cricket for good.
Dhoni took it to social media platform Instagram to announce his decision. He posted an emotional video of his cricketing journey with a captain that read- “Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 1929 hours consider me as retired”. The post was quick to make waves in the social media and was acknowledged by millions around the nation on the evening of the 74th Independence day.
The news was already being difficult to be accepted by many with many of the fans hoping it would be a false news. Further to the saddening news, Suresh Raina followed suit. Considered one of the best No.5 Indian batsmen and the member of 2011 WC winning team announced his retirement from International Cricket, stating-” It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781. With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!”.
Though the news stunned millions. There were many speculations over why both the stars chose August 15th as the date to announce this and also a lot of questions hovered over the time Dhoni chose to announce this. Both the players are part of the CSK training camp which is being conducted in Chennai and the decision was made official with just a week before they leave to UAE to play the 13th season of Indian Premier League.
Well, the reason behind it is very special. The reason behind their decision to retire from international cricket is related with the 73rd year of independence. The former India skipper’s jersey number is ‘7’ and Raina played for India wearing the jersey numbered ‘3’. If these two numbers are joined, then it becomes 73. A tweet mentioning the same was doing the rounds on social media before Raina himself confirmed it by responding to it.
The speculations though were put to bed by the left-hander through social media platform Twitter. The reason as stated was a very special one indeed. It is related with the 73rd year of independence. The former Indian captain’s Jersey number is ‘7’ and Raina’s is ‘3’. So when the numbers are joined, it becomes 73. This was a very special reason behind choosing the particular day by the duo.
Though there is no official confirmation on the time 1929 hours being chosen by the legendary wicket-keeper batsman. Speculation remains that it was because he was dismissed for the last time in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals against New Zealand at 1929 hours, he chose this time.
Both the players are part of the on-going training camp for Chennai Super KIngs which is scheduled to end on the 20th of this month. The teams are slated to leave for UAE on August 21, where the training will resume.
IPL 2020 is scheduled to be played from September 19 with the finals to be played on November 8th. With the former captain announcing his retirement from International cricket. Will this be his last IPL?
Cover Credits: Criczone
