In a moment that tugged at the heartstrings of cricket fans worldwide, former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni played his last international game for India on July 10, 2019, during the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
This marked the end of a remarkable international career that spanned 16 years and solidified Dhoni's status as one of India's greatest limited-overs cricketers.
On the occasion of his 43rd birthday, let us look back at MS Dhoni's performance in his last international outing for the Men in Blue.
MS Dhoni's last international match: How did he perform?
Dhoni's final appearance in an India jersey was characterized by his signature calm and composed demeanour, despite the high stakes of the World Cup. Unfortunately, India fell short in their chase, losing to New Zealand by 18 runs and ending their campaign.
Dhoni, known for his exceptional finishing skills, scored 50 runs before being run out, leaving the Indian fans heartbroken and plaintive.
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When did MS Dhoni announce his retirement from international cricket?
Following the conclusion of the World Cup, the cricketing world eagerly awaited Dhoni's next move. On August 15, 2020, Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket via an emotional post on Instagram.
In his message, he expressed gratitude to his fans and supporters, stating, "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired." This announcement marked the end of Dhoni's 16-year career in international cricket.
The announcement of Dhoni's retirement was met with an outpouring of respect and admiration from players, fans, and the cricketing fraternity.
Current India international Virat Kohli took to Twitter to express his gratitude, saying, "What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart, but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you".
MS Dhoni career: How did he fare in international cricket?
During his illustrious career, Dhoni achieved numerous milestones and led the Indian cricket team to unprecedented success.
Under his captaincy, India won three ICC tournaments, including the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. These triumphs cemented Dhoni's place as one of the most successful captains in cricket history.
Dhoni's contribution with the bat was equally remarkable. He amassed 10,773 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), placing him 11th on the list of highest run-scorers in ODI history.
Known for his ability to finish matches, Dhoni displayed remarkable composure and skill in pressure situations, earning him the reputation of being one of the greatest finishers in modern-day limited-overs cricket. In addition to ODIs, Dhoni played 90 Tests, scoring 4,876 runs, and 98 T20Is.
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Dhoni's leadership skills were unparalleled, having captained India in a record 332 international matches.
His tactical acumen and ability to inspire his teammates were evident in his 110 ODI victories as captain, a feat surpassed only by Australia's Ricky Ponting. Dhoni's impact extended beyond international cricket, as he led the Chennai Super Kings to three Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, further solidifying his legacy.