#OTD in 2020: MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina announced their retirement from international cricket

Dhoni and Raina played together for a decade

On this day, two years ago, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina bid goodbye to international cricket. 

On the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day, Dhoni took to social media to consider him retired from the international circuit. After few minutes, Raina followed Dhoni's suit to announce his departure as well. 

Insight into Dhoni's illustrious career

Dhoni led India to new highs

Dhoni set foot on the international stage in December 2004 against Bangladesh. Soon, he gradually made rapid strides to become a match-winner for India. The swashbuckling batter displayed his ball-striking abilities in his career-best knock of 183* against Sri Lanka in 2005.

In a surprising move, the skilful wicket-keeper was handed a captaincy role for the 2007 T20 World Cup. He then responded by leading India to a thrilling title victory. 

Dhoni captained India in 200 ODIs, 60 Tests and 72 T20Is. He finished his career with a total of 17,266 runs with 16 centuries across three formats. 

Raina's Impactful career

Raina was a key player in India's middle-order

Raina made his international debut in July 2005 against Sri Lanka. However, his first ODI century came against Hongkong in 2008. Two years later, he hit his maiden century in the T20Is and Tests. In this pursuit, he became the first batter from India to slam centuries across all formats of the game. 

The southpaw delivered crucial knocks of 34* and 36* against Australia and Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup, which was a key force to India lifting their second 50-over title. 

Raina (110*) stitched an unbeaten 196-run stand with Dhoni (85*) to secure a victory against Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup. 

He amassed a total of 7988 international runs in 322 appearances, comprising six centuries. 

Also Read: Independence Day Special: The Firsts in Indian Cricket (Test Cricket)