MS Dhoni Retirement (Source:@Source:@WorshipDhoni,x.com)
MS Dhoni is an emotion for all the Indian cricket fans. The legendary cricketer has had a stellar international and IPL career, laced with numerous accolades.
The explosive batter has captained India across formats and has helped them win three ICC trophies (World T20, 50-over World Cup, Champions Trophy).
A man of few words, MS Dhoni sent shockwaves when he announced his Test retirement towards the end of 2014. He was then 33 years old. Fast forward 6 years later, he shockingly announced his retirement from the other two formats, however, till date he continues to mesmerise fans in the cash rich Indian Premier League.
Every year rumours circulate about Dhoni's IPL retirement, but 'Thala' as they call him in Chennai always turns up to win the coveted IPL for the Chennai Super Kings. Will the 2026 season be his last in IPL?
Let us rewind and look back at his international retirement
MS Dhoni's Test Retirement
MS Dhoni retired from Tests in 2014 (Source:@ICC,x.com)
India travelled to Australia in 2014 for a 4-match Test series. Dhoni missed out on the first Test and took part in the Brisbane and Melbourne Test. At the conclusion of the Melbourne Test on December 30, 2014, MS Dhoni shocked the entire cricketing fraternity when he announced his retirement from Test format.
Apparently, he took the retirement decision due to the strain of playing all three formats. The captaincy mantle was then passed onto Virat Kohli, who went onto become the 'greatest Test captain' of India.
MS Dhoni ODI's Retirement
MS Dhoni ODI's Retirement (Source:@DDNewslive,x.com)
MS Dhoni is hardly active on social media platforms. But on August 15, 2020, amidst the pandemic, the former India captain announced that he is retiring from ODI format, once again surprising his fans and well-wishers.
Much like his unpredictable nature, Dhoni announced his decision when no one saw it coming. It marked the end of an era in Indian cricket, as MS Dhoni had served the nation for almost 16 years.
MS Dhoni T20 Retirement
MS Dhoni T20 Retirement (Source:@CNNnews18,x.com)
It is important to mention that MS Dhoni also announced his retirement from the T20I format on the same date that he announced his retirement from the ODI format, i.e August 15, 2020.
His retirement announcement came via an Instagram post, with a collection of photos from his playing days. The two-time World Cup winner played his last international match in 2019, which was against New Zealand in the semi-finale of the ICC World Cup.
MS Dhoni's Jersey Number Retirement
MS Dhoni's Jersey Number (Source:@ICCAsiaCricket,x.com)
MS Dhoni's jersey number 7 has officially been retired by the BCCI, worn by India's most successful captain. This decision honours Dhoni's contributions to cricket, three years after his retirement. Dhoni is now alongside Sachin Tendulkar, whose number 10 jersey was retired in 2017.
FAQs: MS Dhoni's Retirement
Q.1. Is MS Dhoni retiring?
Answer: MS Dhoni last played for India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, and announced his retirement in August 2020.
Q.2. Is no.7 jersey retired by BCCI?
Answer: MS Dhoni's iconic no.7 jersey has been retired by the BCCI, as a tribute to the legendary MS Dhoni for his contribution to the Indian cricket.
Q.3. When was MS Dhoni's last ODI?
Answer: MS Dhoni played his last ODI match on 15 August 2020.
Q.4. Is MS Dhoni retiring?
Answer: MS Dhoni has already said that he will review his future based on how his body feels closer to the 2026 season.