Revealed: The Reason Behind MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina's Decision To Retire Together On August 15

MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina stunned the entire nation on Saturday (August 15) by announcing their retirement from international cricket. MS Dhoni was the first to announce his retirement. The former India skipper announced his decision exactly at 7:29 PM IST.

The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman took to his social media accounts to announce his decision. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, who has not played a competitive game since last year’s World Cup, wrote: “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired.”

And as if his decision was not enough to stun the country, Suresh Raina soon followed suit. Member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, the left-handed batsman also took to his social media accounts to announce his retirement from international cricket, writing: “It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!”

Reason behind retiring on August 15:

MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina’s decision to retire on August 15 has surprised many. Both the players had joined Chennai Super Kings’ pre-season camp on the same day and could have waited a bit longer to announce their decisions but they chose the Independence Day for the same.

Well, the reason behind it is very special. The reason behind their decision to retire from international cricket is related with the 73rd year of independence.  The former India skipper’s jersey number is ‘7’ and Raina played for India wearing the jersey numbered ‘3’. If these two numbers are joined, then it becomes 73. A tweet mentioning the same was doing the rounds on social media before Raina himself confirmed it by responding to it.

Here is the tweet:

#DhoniRetired #RainaRetirement आंकड़ों का खेल देखिए । कल भारत ने स्वतंत्रता के 73 साल पूरे किए और इंटरनेशनल क्रिकेट से जर्सी नंबर 7 ( धोनी) और जर्सी नंबर 3 (रैना) रिटायर हो गए #धोनी_रैना @awasthis @nikhildubei pic.twitter.com/excpfkZdIi

— Anurag Srivastava (@anuragashk) August 16, 2020

Here is Suresh Raina’s response:

??☝️?

— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) August 16, 2020

Both MS Dhoni and Raina are currently the part of the franchise’s pre-season camp in Chennai. The camp started on August 15 and will end on 20th of this month. The team will then leave for UAE on August 21 for IPL 2020. The entire tournament will be played in UAE because of the alarming coronavirus situation in India.

The tournament is scheduled to start on September 19. Both the players will be returning to the field after a long time. MS Dhoni last played a competitive game during the semifinal in last year’s World Cup while Raina’s last appearance came in the previous IPL.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Retires: Ranveer Singh Pens Down Emotional Post, Shares Fanboy Moment With Ex-India Captain

Also Read: MS Dhoni Groomed Someone Like Virat Kohli, He Is A Legend: Sunil Gavaskar