In less than an hour after hitting the field for the first time in five months, Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. There were speculations over his future as an international cricketer with a few thinking that he might be available for the T20 World Cup should he perform well in IPL 2020. But Dhoni ruled himself out of contention a month before the start of the tournament.

Dhoni will play for Chennai Super Kings in IPL with a free mind as the pressure to make a comeback won’t be around him. The former India captain made the announcement in an Instagram post. His teammates, former cricketers and number of celebrities paid tributes to the India legend and thanked him for all the memories.

Pakistan cricketer Kainat Imtiaz also came up with a special message for Dhoni and congratulated him on his career. “A legendary cricketer, an incredible captain, the best finisher with the calmest mind on field. Sir hats off on such a career full of inspiration. Words can’t do justice for your contribution in the cricket world. @msdhoni. Thank you and congratulations,” she wrote.

The Pakistan pacer has played 11 ODIs and 12 T20Is so far. Her previous appearance for the Women in Green came in October 2019. Check out her post –

Dhoni was joined his CSK deputy Suresh Raina on the retirement journey as the southpaw came up with his retirement post in the evening. Raina was a regular member of the team under Dhoni. He found it hard soon after Dhoni quit captaincy and last represented Men in Blue on the England tour in 2018.

Unlike Dhoni, Raina is expected to play for CSK for a long period. The vice-captain of the Yellow Army, Raina is confirmed to take over the team’s charge once Dhoni retires from the T20 league. The duo will be next seen in action in IPL 2020 which kicks off on September 19.