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5 Years Since MS Dhoni And Raina Retired; Striking Similarities Between CSK Duo

Anurag Dasgupta

MSD, Raina similarities [Source: @TrendsDhoni/x.com] MSD, Raina similarities [Source: @TrendsDhoni/x.com]

On this day, five years ago, former India captain MS Dhoni made a shocking announcement by announcing his retirement from international cricket. This news came in the middle of the first Covid-19 wave, and it left fans stunned as MSD was expected to play for a bit longer. His last game for India was against New Zealand during the 2019 World Cup, and it ended on a sorrowful note.

If MSD's retirement made fans emotional, a couple of hours later, his India and CSK teammate, Suresh Raina also bid adieu to international cricket, and it ended a fairytale journey for both the star players. 

If MSD's retirement made fans emotional, a couple of hours later, his India and CSK teammate, Suresh Raina also bid adieu to international cricket, and it ended a fairytale journey for both the star players. 

Similarities between best friends MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina

Both started with ducks at international level

Ironically, both the batters started their international cricket with ducks. Dhoni was run-out on his debut vs Bangladesh for a duck, while Raina was trapped lbw by spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan in an ODI match.

Both played last international match in England

MSD's last international outing was one to forget as he was run-out by Martin Guptill in the semi-finals of the World Cup. That was the last time fans saw MSD in an Indian jersey. Meanwhile, Raina's last international game was also in England, as he featured in an ODI match against the host nation.

Both played their last Test in Australia 

Both friends played their last Test in Australia. MSD retired after the famous MCG Test which India managed to draw, while Raina's last Test was the SCG Test match in January 2015.

Both made T20I debut on same match

Both Raina, and MS Dhoni made their T20I debut in the same game against South Africa in 2006. While Dhoni was dismissed for duck, just like his ODI debut, Raina remained unbeaten at 3 as India won the match.

Both Scored Century on Asia Cup Debut match

Both MSD and Raina scored centuries on their Asia Cup debut. In the game against Hong Kong, Raina scored a brilliant 101 off 68 balls, and in the same game, MSD, who was making his Asia Cup debut blasted 109* off 96 balls, as India won the game comfortably.