And, as if the heartbreaking news of MS Dhoni’s retirement wasn’t enough to deal with, another India white-ball stalwart in Suresh Raina decided to call time on his international career.
Minutes after MS Dhoni put out a post on Instagram to announce his retirement, Suresh Raina followed suit.
The 2011 World Cup-winner, who along with Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni were the heartbeat of the Indian middle-order in white-ball cricket in the late 2000s and early 2010s, took to Instagram where he wrote-
“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! 🇮🇳
Raina’s announcement drew curtains on a 15-year-old International career, which started with a One-day International against Sri Lanka in 2005.
Also Read- Suresh Raina Announces Retirement From International Cricket Minutes After MS Dhoni
Suresh Raina joins MS Dhoni; announces his retirement from international cricket
His gritty partnership with Yuvraj Singh in the quarter-final against Australia followed by the counterattacking knock against Pakistan in the semi-final was pivotal in India reaching the finals and eventually winning the coveted trophy.
Raina remained a pivotal member of the team till the 2015 World Cup, post which his form deteriorated substantially. The southpaw last represented India in 2018 but considering the fact that he was working relentlessly hard in the past few months in order to make a comeback in the Indian team, the announcement comes as a great surprise.
Nonetheless, Raina represented India in 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, racking up 768, 5615, and 1604 runs respectively. Raina, like Dhoni, will continue to represent the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Suresh Raina’s retirement:
Congratulations on a wonderful international career @ImRaina Proud of your contribution. Your exuberance rubbed off on the team. Wishing you the very best in your second innings.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2020
Well done @ImRaina on ur retirement. What a fantastic career u have had . It was a pleasure playing along side n against you !! Lots of memories to cherish for life . U have made the whole nation proud . Happy retirement!! 🇮🇳
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) August 15, 2020
The first Indian to score a hundred across all three formats, an outstanding fielder and the most enthusiast while celebrating wickets! #ThankYouRaina for the wonderful memories! 🇮🇳🙌 @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/NlQZFGdxqF
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 15, 2020
Thanks for your services to Team India @ImRaina. One of those lefty batsmen who is a treat to watch when he's in full flow!
Wish you a happy 2nd innings of life.#Raina pic.twitter.com/A4W1dycrTs— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) August 15, 2020
A great fielder,brilliant aggressive batsman and a true friend @ImRaina well done on your career for our country. Wish you all the luck for your future #rainaretires pic.twitter.com/ZJJxImWS4X
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2020
To all the partnerships we shared over the years, and wishing luck to all your future innings on and off the field , good luck brother 🙌🏼 #Raina pic.twitter.com/98L2PUNIm4
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) August 15, 2020
One more super king retires. Enjoyed your dynamism on the field. One of the best hitters of the ball and the BEST fielder. All the best for the future. @ImRaina #rainaretires
— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 15, 2020
Congratulations to @ImRaina on a stellar career. You can be proud of what you achieved. A debut test ton and a WC 🏅 is not something many people can boast of. pic.twitter.com/u4ZCAcOZL4
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 15, 2020
Thank you for the memories, @ImRaina 🧡 pic.twitter.com/SjSQSKeZ5e
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) August 15, 2020
Congratulations my friend @ImRaina on a great career.wishing you and family all the very best .Stay blessed
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) August 15, 2020
Congratulations Suresh Raina on a wonderful India career! 👏🏼 @ImRaina
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) August 15, 2020
One of the most likeable men in Indian cricket. Immensely talented, always played with a smile, and was a champion for #TeamIndia. Happy retirement, @ImRaina!#PlayBold #ThankYouRaina #RainaRetires pic.twitter.com/zbxWZJ7yNw
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 15, 2020
Congrats @ImRaina on a good career. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
All the very best in the next phase.— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) August 15, 2020
You’ve been a constant source of motivation & encouragement for young players everywhere and you will continue to be, even as you embark on this new journey. Congratulations on a great career, @ImRaina. All the very best for everything the future holds.
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) August 15, 2020
Where #Thala goes #ChinnaThala follows. Great fun watching you play @ImRaina. All those unforgettable performances….. Well played.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2020
Congratulations on a top career Bhavesh. Goodluck with everything ahead 😊👍 @ImRaina
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020
15 August 2020 – a day of goodbyes in #cricket! #SureshRaina has joined #MSDhoni in his international retirement.
322 matches, 7988 runs, 48 stellar half centuries and 7x💯
Thank you, #Raina! You've been such a champion for 🇮🇳See you at the #IPL2020 @ImRaina 💜 pic.twitter.com/SufUCqPMfz
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 15, 2020
बहुत याराना लगता है ।।
It’s too much…
thank you for all the gentleness and the aggressive entertainment Suresh Raina bro 🤗🙏🏽#rainaretires #raina pic.twitter.com/Ycvq6Di6Xi— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 15, 2020
Really surprised by Raina calling it a day too….well…guess all good things have to come to an end. Raina tera Kya kehna….one of the best southpaws to don the Indian jersey. Mr. IPL for #CSK. Gave 100% whenever he was on the field. Go well, my friend. #rainaretires
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2020
Thank you, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina! 👊 pic.twitter.com/9BYfD2dAXv
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 15, 2020
34*(28) in Quarter-Final vs Aus.
36*(39) in Semi-Final vs Pak.
Two vital knocks in the context of the match and Raina was one who did it in the big stage. Thank you, Raina. pic.twitter.com/NHj0adJu8T— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 15, 2020
India's greatest middle order batting line-up in blue jersey. Replacement of this trio in limited over format is almost impossible. Our world cup heroes 🥺❤️#MSDhoni #SureshRaina pic.twitter.com/onHKQmshoS
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) August 15, 2020
Thanks so much @ImRaina for everything. Someone who has the ability to change games using his various skill sets! Attacking left handed batsman, terrific fielder and those offies have given us crucial breakthroughs. Thanks #SureshRaina #rainaretires
— RK (@RK_sports) August 15, 2020
Now @ImRaina announces his retirement. #SureshRaina announcement – "With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey": #SureshRaina announces retirement from international cricket minutes after #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/sUDItqlFOn
— Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) August 15, 2020
Congratulations @ImRaina on a wonderful career. God bless nd best wishes ahead 👏👍 #SureshRaina pic.twitter.com/94fcctlFoT
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 15, 2020
In 2015 World Cup when Virat Kohli reached century Suresh Raina celebrated even before Kohli, Which sums up one of the humblest career in international cricket.#ThankyouRaina
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) August 15, 2020
At age 33 @ImRaina announces his retirement from all international cricket for Team India. #rainaretires
Lifetime proud milestone: He's the FIRST Indian batsman to hit a century in all three formats of international cricket👌🌟
Eager to see #Raina rock it yet again, for #CSK 👍
— Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) August 15, 2020
Both announcing their retirements from international cricket on Independence Day and doing it from Chennai. They’ve got our hearts forever! 💙 💛#DhoniRetires #RainaRetires #Dhoni #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/yRZ6b2oQXV
— Rina Shah (@RinaaShah) August 15, 2020
It is really difficult to believe that we won't see you playing in Indian Jersey anymore @ImRaina. Your fielding and batting was something that inspired alot of youth. We remember how we used to call {Raina , Hai na ! }
Wish You Great Life Ahead ! #rainaretires #SureshRaina pic.twitter.com/jKHZJO8Bm4
— Team Asim Riaz Official 👑 (@IamAsimRiaz1) August 15, 2020
#rainaretires In my books, @ImRaina is one of the best fielders and destructive batsmen that I have ever seen! He is one of the key reasons why Indian cricket is where it is! A legend in his own right! pic.twitter.com/58yMLz8BWR
— Shakthi Vadakkepat (@v_shakthi) August 15, 2020