When MS Dhoni Shook The World With Sudden Test Retirement

image-lqrqvnydMS Dhoni announced Test retirement OTD in 2014 [X.com]

In a trip down memory lane exactly nine years ago, on December 30, 2014, the cricket world was left astounded as the legendary MS Dhoni bid farewell to Test cricket. The announcement during India's Test series in Australia marked the end of the era for one of India's greatest Test captains.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement revealing Dhoni's decision to retire from the purest format of the game. 

Citing the strain of playing all formats, the release acknowledged Dhoni's pivotal role in leading India to the No. 1 position in the test rankings. 

The statement expressed gratitude for Dhoni's immense contributions to Test cricket, paving the way for Virat Kohli to take the reins as the captain for the final Test against Australia in Sydney.

Dhoni's retirement caught many off guard, especially after he missed the first Test due to injury, with Kohli stepping in as the interim captain. The shock announcement came just after the conclusion of the third Test, where India secured a draw. 

R Ashwin, reflecting on the moment, disclosed, 

"It was quite an emotional moment for him. Ishant Sharma, Suresh Raina, and I were sitting in his room that evening. He was still wearing his Test match jersey through the entire night and shed a few tears as well."

Despite bidding adieu to Test cricket, Dhoni continued to stand by the team, returning home only after the 2015 World Cup in March. R. Ashwin shared an insight into Dhoni's post-retirement emotions, recalling how the former captain, after announcing his departure, clung to his Test jersey all night and shed a few tears.

Under Dhoni's captaincy, India achieved remarkable success, clinching the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Despite triumphs at home, challenges loomed with back-to-back series defeats in Australia and England, along with a surprising loss in the home Test series against England in 2012.

Dhoni's Test career spanned 90 matches, amassing 4876 runs with an impressive average of 38.09, including six centuries. As a visionary leader, he secured 27 wins during his captaincy stint.

Although Dhoni bid farewell to all forms of international cricket in 2020, his journey continued in franchise cricket. As the captain of CSK in the IPL, he displayed strategic acumen and leadership, guiding the team with the same charisma that defined his international career.