Dhoni retired from international cricket after playing 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is.
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With this announcement, Dhoni finally put an end to all the speculations surrounding his future. The World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand at Old Trafford was his last appearance in Team India colours.
Reacting on his retirement, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar said he was not shocked at Dhoni’s decision.
“My reaction would have been different had Dhoni been 33 or 34. He’s in his 40th year,” Tendulkar told ThePrint.
Asked if it is easy to call time on one’s international career, the Master Blaster replied: “It wasn’t hard for me, as I felt within that it was getting over. It wasn’t a sad day when I made the announcement, as I had two Tests remaining and was to complete 24 years at the international level before bowing out…”
“Basically, it’s an individual thing and Dhoni must have thought hard before taking the decision. The individual alone is best placed to take the call. What a cricketer he’s been,” he added.
When enquired about Dhoni’s most stand out performance, Sachin said: “Hmmm… That six to win the 2011 World Cup is there, but my favourite memory is of Dhoni hooking a Shoaib Akhtar bouncer for six in the Faisalabad Test (2005-’06). I was the non-striker and it was wow.”
For Tendulkar, Dhoni’s biggest legacy is that he inspired so many to take to cricket.
“I’m sure, some years down the line, Dhoni will sit back and smile with satisfaction at having been such an inspiration pan India,” he remarked.
Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket is surreal, to say the least. The Men in Blue tasted huge success under his leadership, winning the 2007 World T20, 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. He also led the team to pinnacle in Test cricket.
As a batsman, Dhoni transformed himself into one of the greatest finishers of the game. He represented the country in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is, aggregating more than 17000 international runs including 16 centuries.
The former India captain also has 634 catches and 195 stumpings (world record) to his name across three formats.